Identity+Theft

=__//﻿Identity Theft //__=

BE A G, PROTECT YOUR ID.
**What is identity theft?** Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

= Identity Theft & Fraud in Missouri= National Rank for Identity Theft Complaints Number of identity theft complaints in 2009. Top three identity theft types: [] **How do thieves steal an identity?** Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. For identity thieves, this information is as good as gold. Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including: []
 * 20th **
 * 3,920 **
 * Phone or utilities fraud
 * Credit card fraud
 * Bank fraud
 * 1) **Dumpster Diving.** They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
 * 2) **Skimming.** They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
 * 3) **Phishing.** They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
 * 4) **Changing Your Address.** They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
 * 5) **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.
 * 6) **Pretexting.** They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.

[] - Bus banners about identity theft.