According to the FBI,
identity theft
is one
of the fastest-growing crimes in the US. Identity
theft is a crime where a person wrongfully obtains and uses your personal
information. This stolen data is
used to access existing accounts, create new
credit accounts (credit cards, car loans, etc.), purchase merchandise
and establish services (cell phones, cable, etc.) in the name
of the victim.
When using email, it is
recommended that you never include any personal information,
such as your social security number, driver's license number,
credit card number or ATM number.. Email is not a secure
way to transfer this type of information.
Some of the information
which can be stolen is:
-
name and address
-
social security number
-
driver's license number
-
calling card number
-
credit card number
-
ATM card number & PIN
You can protect yourself by
placing a Consumer ID
Theft Alert (also known as a "Security Alert") in your
consumer report file to warn anyone who receives information from
the report that your identity may have been used without your
consent. This "Security Alert" notifies
financial institutions that your identity may have been stolen
and to take extra precautions to verify your identity.
If you believe your identity has been stolen, or would like to
learn more about preventing your identity from being stolen, please
visit the
Federal
Trade Commission website.
