Identity Theft Facts

What you need to know:

• It's the fastest growing crime in the USA.
• There was an estimated 700,000 cases of identity theft/fraud in the US for 2002
• The most common types of fraud include: Credit Card, Bank, and Communications
• On average, people do not realize they have been a victim of ID fraud for 12 months
• The average loss totals 175+ hours and $1,000 to clear record

How your personal information is stolen:

• Dumpster Diving - it is what it sounds like, people rummaging through your trash looking for your personal information on things you've thrown away. Things like: pre approved credit card offers, bank statements, receipts, and checks.
• Mail Tampering - criminals target your mailbox to hunt for checks and other documents with your information on them. Both your incoming and outgoing mail must be secured, or it will be vulnerable. It is a good idea to take outgoing mail to the post office or a post office box.
• Phone Solicitations - when people ask for personal information over the phone, be sure you know that they and/or their company is legitimate. Don't be scammed into giving out your information to a thief telling you about some "contest" you may have won.

Here's what you can do: