Identity Theft

    The risk of arrest is so low and the profit is so great, Identity Theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. In order to prosecute these crimes, investigators need evidence of the crime. The receipts and statements are often hard to obtain. Even more difficult are the thefts which occur over the phone.
    One of the most common forms of identity theft is credit card fraud. This occurs when someone uses another person’s credit card number to make purchases. Identity theft also occurs when someone uses another’s cellular phone, bank, or utility accounts.
    There are many ways to get your personal information. These are the most common ways to begin the process of identity theft.
*Theft of a purse or wallet- All people need to open an account or credit card is the information found on your driver’s license.
*Personal information available to employees- There are people who are willing to pay your co-workers for personal information.
*Your trash- People can go through mail and statements you throw away in the trash gathering personal information.
*Change of address forms- a person fills out a change of address form and re-routes your mail to another address.
*Internet- make sure all sites where you use your credit card are secured sites.

    To prevent some unnecessary hassle if you become a victim is to make a photo copy of the front and back of all credit cards, drivers license, social security card and any other card containing personal information.
    There are ways to help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft. One way is to never give out personal information over the phone especially cellular phones. Cellular phone are not private. It’s better to have the seller send you an application than for you to give information to someone you can’t verify. Another step is to check your credit reporting agencies once a year. The agency’s phone numbers are at the end of this article. Also take the time to check all monthly account statements, including balancing the checking accounts, it’s a good idea to call and verify the balance. Finally, don’t give your Social Security number out to anyone. This includes having it written on your personal checks.
    If you find you’re a victim contact the credit grantors immediately to report the theft. You may have to cancel the accounts and wait for new cards to be issued. Next contact each of the three credit bureaus listed below. Ask that they “flag” your accounts so that creditors cannot grant credit to your file without you authorizing it. Contacting the police department where you live and where the theft occurred. Get several copies of the report, creditors will need a copy of the reports. Finally contact the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-438-4338, www.ftc.gov. The FTC has a lot of useful identity theft information.

Identity Theft Reporting Information

Federal Communication Commission: 1-888-call-fcc, www.fcc.gov/cgb

Social Security Administration: 1-800-269-0271

To stop getting pre-approved credit applications: 1-888-5-optout

The following are available to help with check theft.

International Check Services: 1-800-526-5380

Telecheck: 1-800-437-5120

Equifax: 1-800-766-2748

CheckRite: 1-800-766-2748

Credit Bureas

Equifax:
P.O. Box 674402
Houston, TX. 77267-4402
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
To order a credit report: 1-800-685-1111

Experian:
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742