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 stolen can be:

• 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.