WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?
You are a victim of identity theft when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. A few examples may include someone who uses your information to obtain a credit card, a loan, a mortgage, rent an apartment, open up a telephone account, bank account, write bad checks, or file a bankruptcy case, all in your name.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT?
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities are stolen can spend months or years, along with thousands of dollars, repairing the damage done to their good name and credit record. Why should you care about identity theft? Many reasons… Here are just a few:
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You could be denied employment
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You could be denied renting an apartment
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You could be denied loans for cars, education, or housing
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Your credit could be ruined
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Your wages could be garnished
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Debt Collectors may continuously contact you to recover debts taken out in your name
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In rare cases, you may be even arrested for crimes you did not commit!
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT?
You may have no idea. You can be extremely cautious about never giving your personal information out, only to discover you have been victimized. Discovery sometimes occurs when:
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Your credit report contains entries you do not recognize
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Debt Collectors start contacting you about a debt you did not incur
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You receive credit card or statements for which you never applied
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A creditor informs you they have received a credit application for which you never applied
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Incoming calls or letters state you are approved or denied credit for which you never applied
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You no longer receive your credit card, bank statements, or regular mail
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Your credit card statement includes unusual purchases or charges you never authorized
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Your bank account shows unauthorized withdrawals or checks cashed/written that you’ve never authorized
