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What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. How do thieves steal an identity? Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including: - Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
- Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message.
Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
Forward phishing emails to
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– and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to
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. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing. - Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
- Pretexting. Use a variety of tactics to get your personal information. For example, a pretexter may call, claim he's from a research firm, and ask you for your name, address, birth date, and social security number. When the pretexter has the information he wants, he uses it to call your financial institution. He pretends to be you or someone with authorized access to your account. He might claim that he's forgotten his checkbook and needs information about his account. In this way, the pretexter may be able to obtain other personal information about you such as your bank and credit card account numbers, information in your credit report, and the existence and size of your savings and investment portfolios.
How can you find out if your identity was stolen? Monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you check your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft. What should you do if your identity is stolen? Filing a police report (Identity Theft Report, which entitles you to certain legal rights when its is provided to the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian & Transunion) or to support your claim to the companies where the thief used your information), checking your credit reports, notifying creditors, and disputing any unauthorized transactions are some of the steps you must take immediately to restore your good name. Identity Theft Report can be used to permanently block fraudulent information that results from identity theft, such as accounts or addresses, from appearing on your credit report. It will also make sure these debts do not reappear on your credit reports. Identity Theft Reports can prevent a company from continuing to collect debts that result from identity theft, or selling them to others for collection. An Identity Theft Report is also needed to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report. What can you do to help fight identity theft? Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms identity theft. - Be aware of how information is stolen
- What you can do to protect yours, monitor your personal information to uncover any problems quickly
- Know what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen.
Example of an email that is questionable email. Subject: We have financial help for you. Respond immediately
From: "Barclays Capital" <
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>
Date: Fri, October 31, 2008 1:30 pm
To:
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Priority: Normal 1 Churchill
Place, London E14
5HPTel: +44-845 734 5345 , +44 7523 4523
57Fax: +44 870 134 6275
Dear Sir/Madam
Are you affected by the present global financial crisis and credit crunch? Do you need funding to keep you afloat in your businesses, projects or any activity? Barclays Capital in conjunction with the World Bank is giving out financial aid and credits to qualified individuals and companies. The main purpose of this financial aid is to alleviate suffering and business collapse created by this Global Financial Crisis, and to make start up funds easily available.
If you are an interested in this global rescue funding; for more information and details, respond immediately.
Sincerely,
Mr. Philip Millard,
Barclays
Capital,
Tel: +44 845 734 5345 , +44 7523 4523 57Fax: +44 870 134
Email:
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