The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number without permission to commit fraud. Skilled identity thieves may use various methods like dumpster diving, skimming, phishing, vishing, smishing, or changing your address to steal your personal information. To protect yourself, monitor your accounts monthly, check your credit reports regularly, and notify authorities if you become a victim of identity theft.

1. The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Making money sensetips and ideas to help your family prosper Identity Theft

2. IDENTITY THEFT Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, credit or debit card number without your permission and commits fraud or other crimes under your information. 1

3. Identity theft Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including… 2

4. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card. Phishing, Vishing & Smishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam email or pop-up messages, use Voice over Internet Protocol technology over the phone or text messages via your mobile phone to get you to reveal your personal information. 3

5. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form. 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 personnel records, or bribe employees who have access. Pretexting. They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources. 4

6. PROTECT YOURSELF Monitor your accounts and financial statements each month Check your credit report on a regular basis You are allowed one free credit report a year through www.annualcreditreport.com 5

7. IF YOU FALL VICTIM File a police report Contact your financial institution and have them put an alert on your accounts Check your credit reports Notify other creditors and dispute any unauthorized transactions You should also contact all three credit bureaus… 6

8. Equifax: 1-888-766-0008 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 7

9. IDENTITY THEFT Nobody is completely safe from identity theft but if you stay educated and take the right steps you can lessen your chance of becoming a victim 8

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