| Identity theft commonly begins with the loss or | | | | to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone |
| theft of a wallet or purse. But there are many or | | | | service accounts, and make major purchases in |
| high-tech and low-tech ways criminals can get | | | | your name. These criminals use your sensitive |
| their hands on your personal and financial | | | | information to take over existing accounts, or |
| information in order to commit identity theft. | | | | open new accounts. Their criminal activities can |
| When someone uses your name or personal | | | | result in damage to your credit rating and denials |
| information, such as your credit card number, | | | | to credit and job offers. |
| driver's license number, Social Security number, | | | | Protecting Your Identity While there are no |
| telephone number, or other account numbers, | | | | guarantees that your identity will never be stolen |
| without your permission, you become a victim of | | | | or compromised, there are several steps you can |
| identity theft. | | | | take to minimize the risks. Here are a few of |
| Thieves steal your personal information and use it | | | | them: |