What is Identity Theft?

Do you lock and secure your home at night? Do you lock your car doors? Would you leave your purse or wallet on your table at a restaurant while you go to the restroom? Of course, not. In this day and time, we are careful because we know criminals are everywhere just waiting to take advantage of us. We would never leave our credit cards or money where they could be stolen by some crook. But are we also protecting our identity? Are we aware that identity theft is the new crime nightmare just waiting to catch us unaware?

What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses another individual's personal information, such as name and social security number, for the purposes of thievery. What's not so simple is the many problems this crime can cause its victims. A person who's had their identity stolen may find themselves in trouble with their financial institution for bounced checks they never wrote. Credit can also be negatively affected by the actions of identity thieves, and can take a long time to repair.

The best method of preventing the problems associated with identity theft is to take some precautions to protect yourself. One way to do this is by keeping your Social Security number private. Don't carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet, and don't have it printed on your checks or driver's license. Your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can assign you a special identification number that you can use instead. Sometimes, you will be asked to give your Social Security number in certain situations. Employers will need your number for tax reasons, and landlords may request it for background checks. If you try to obtain credit, your Social Security number will be needed for creditors to access your credit reports. Sometimes you have to give the number out, but try to avoid doing so if possible. Also, when disposing of documents that contain personal information, use a shredder to destroy them rather than simply throwing them in the trash.

You should take immediate action if you fall prey to identity thieves. If you have credit cards, there is a toll-free fraud hotline for each one that you need to call. Also, call your bank and alert them as well. Then, you'll also want to call each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) and notify them of the crime as well. Close all accounts that you think have been violated, file a complain with the Federal Trade Commission, then call your local police department and file a report. Fighting back against identity theft can be a time-consuming process, but is well worth it!

You are much less likely to fall victim to identity theft now that you know what is, how to prevent it, and what action to take against theft incidents. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today, but it doesn't have to be! With vigilant prevention and aggressive prosecution, more people can stay safe from this modern form of burglary.

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