Identity Theft - Don't let it happen to you!
One of the rising crimes in the United States today continues to be identity theft. How can someone steal your identity? By using your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information for his or her own use. In short, identity theft occurs when someone appropriates your personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.
Download the Identity Theft Handbook 
How Identity Thefts Work
- Someone opens a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth, and social security number. When they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
- They call your credit card issuer and, pretending to be you, change the mailing address on your credit account. Then, your imposter runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, you may not immediately realize there’s a problem.
- They establish cellular phone service in your name.
- They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
- Properly discard/shred documents
- Guard personal information - be aware of your surroundings
- Leave outgoing mail at the post office; not in your mailbox
- Limit number of credit cards and identification papers carried in purse or wallet
- Avoid phone disclosure of credit card and identifying information
- Carefully review credit card statements
- Regularly review your credit report
- Memorize PIN numbers - do not write on back of credit cards
- Question suspicious activity
For more information, see http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ 
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