| What is identity theft? Identity theft is the | | | | personal information. |
| fraudulent use of someone's personal identifying | | | | 7. They could use a cell phone camera to take |
| information. Identity theft can happen to anyone. | | | | pictures of your credit card, driver's license or |
| It can take months to years too clean up the | | | | your ATM card. |
| mess the identity thieves leave behind. They can | | | | Once they have your information they can open |
| ruin your good credit and your name. You must | | | | new credit card accounts in your name and new |
| protect all your vital information to avoid identity | | | | bank accounts. They can write counterfeit checks |
| theft. | | | | and sign your name, get a driver's license in your |
| Seven ways identity thieves can get your | | | | name and even file for bankruptcy under your |
| information. | | | | name. Identity theft crimes are on the rise. You |
| | | | must do due diligence everyday to avoid identity |
| 1. They could steal your wallet or purse. | | | | theft. Reduce your risk by following these tips. |
| 2. They could steal your mail, getting access to | | | | - Never give out personal information over the |
| bank statements and credit card statements. | | | | phone. |
| 3. They may go through your trash. This is why | | | | - Shred all personal and financial documents. |
| you need to shred all financial information, including | | | | - Do not carry your social security card in your |
| pre-approved credit card offers. | | | | wallet. |
| 4. They could send you an email saying they are | | | | - Install a locked mailbox at your home or have |
| from a legitimate company claiming problems with | | | | your mail sent to a PO Box. |
| your account. This practice is known as "phishing" | | | | - Do not use debit cards online. |
| online. | | | | - Destroy the hard drive of your computer |
| 5. They may have access to your personal | | | | before you sell it or give it away. |
| information from their job or they could bribe an | | | | You must make it as hard as possible for |
| employee who does to steal your personal | | | | someone to get to your personal information to |
| records. | | | | reduce your risk of becoming a victim of identity |
| 6. They could hack into a computer that has your | | | | theft. |