Identity Theft
By: Isabel
What is identity theft?
A type of fraud which involves stealing money or gaining benefits by pretending to be someone else.
How Does Identity Theft Happen
Direct Theft
Identity thieves can come up behind you and take your wallet without you even knowing it. They will have your credit cards and start spending all of them. They will also have your driver's license and more important information.
Internet
Identity thieves might send you an email acting as a big company just to get you to send them your credit card information or ask to send them a check.
Documents
Identity thieves will go looking through your trash and will look for any bank statements, credit card bills, or check registers.
How can you prevent this from happening?
- Keep you financial records in a safe place
- Shred any documents that are no longer needed instead of throwing them in the trash
- Take your mail out of your mailbox as soon as you get it
- Do not give out any information if someone calls you or emails you
- Only give your social security number if needed and ask why they need it
What should you do if your identity is stolen?
- Put fraud alert on your credit cards
- Contact any institution directly affected
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission
- File a police report
- Protect your social security number