Common identity theft scams include lottery scams, bogus charity scams, and phishing scams. Hackers can also steal personal information through pharming and by obtaining dumpster-dived documents, stolen mail, or public records. Stolen identities may be used to open new accounts, make purchases, or commit crimes. It is important to protect personal information by shredding documents, using secure websites, and reviewing credit reports regularly. If identity theft occurs, actions should be taken such as filing a police report and placing fraud alerts on credit reports.

1. Scary Things You Should Know About Your Privacy and Identity Theft Presented by Diana Midge Coors Credit Union

6. Pharming Hackers redirect Internet traffic from one website to another identical looking site with Static Domain Spoofing by slightly changing the name. Examples: www.mybank.com to www.mybanks.com www.ncua.gov to www.ncua.com

8. Internet Sources Thieves find information via public records sites and fee-based information broker sites, accessing your credit report fraudulently. Example: posing as your employer, landlord or a loan officer. How Your Personal Information is Obtained

9. Mail Theft Thieves steal newly issued credit cards, check orders, statements, tax or benefit information from unlocked mail. They also look for credit card checks that may be included monthly in statements. How Your Personal Information is Obtained