Fight Back Against Identity Theft (Part 1)

Common Ways ID Theft Happens:

Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information which includes:

1. 
   
   Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.


2. 
   
   Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.


3. 
   
   Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your presonal information.


4. 
   
   Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change address" form.


5. 
   
   "Old Fashioned" Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personal records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.