Identity Theft

Stealing a wallet and purse with your ID, credit, and bank cards.
Stealing your mail, including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information.
Completing a change-of-address form to divert your mail to another location.
"Dumpster diving" through your trash for personal data.
Falsely obtaining your credit report by posing as a landlord, employer, or some¬one else who ,may have a legitimate need for, and legal right to your information.
Posing as a representative from a company or government agency through bogus e-mail or telephone contacts.
Finding your personal information in your home.
Using personal information you share on the Internet.
"Shoulder surfing" at the ATM or telephone booth to watch you enter your PINs.
Hacking computer files, or stealing or bribing an employee to steal files out of an office where you are a customer, employee, patient, or student.

Carrying only the ID, insurance, and credit cards you use often. Keep the rest in a lock box at home or other secure location.
Storing your wallet or purse in a secure location while you're at work or other public places.
Not printing your Social Security or driver's license numbers on your checks.
Not leaving mail in your box for a long period of time.
Stopping your mail while on vacation.
Promptly and thoroughly reviewing financial statements, disputing anything that looks suspicious.
Inquiring at your local post office if your mail volume suddenly decreases.
Shredding documents that contain personal information before you throw them away.
Regularly requesting a copy of your credit report to examine any changes in your credit history.
Refusing to provide personal information over the phone unless you know the caller.
Memorizing your PINs and passwords. Do not write them down or store them anywhere in your home.

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