| What is Identity Theft? |
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Identity theft comes in many forms. Credit Card Fraud is the most common form of identity theft, where your credit card information falls into the wrong hands and is misused to make unauthorized transactions in your name.
Identity theft occurs every time someone uses you name, social security number (SSN#) or your financial information like you credit card number without your permission to commit fraud or crime. |
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| Common forms of identity theft include: |
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Stealing: Identity thieves can get a hold of your information by stealing your wallet, purse or even your credit card statement when it arrives in the mail. They use this information to commit credit card fraud and other types of crime that could seriously impact your financial situation.
Phishing: This is the most common method where a thief tries to steal your identity by sending you spam emails that look like it has come from your bank or financial institution. These emails often ask you to verify a transaction or update your records and require you to use your user name and password to login. They divert you to sites that look very much like your bank’s website and try to get your personal records.
Skimming: This is credit card fraud where someone uses tools to store your credit card information for later use. They do this to carry out unauthorized transactions in your name. Skimming is also possible by making copies of your receipts and copying your security code from your credit card while it was handed over to a merchant. Skimming is typically the act of a dishonest employee working at any legitimate merchant. Restaurants or bar’s are common places for skimming since you need to hand your credit card over to an attendant.
Bank/Credit account takeover: Application fraud is one of the ways that a thief can use your personal data to open new bank accounts or apply for new credit cards using different addresses. They also collect personal information about you and call the bank or credit card company informing them of a change of address or request a new credit card at a new address.
Identity thieves come up with new and innovative ways to steal your information. It is important that you educate yourself about these methods and avoid being trapped by thieves. |
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| Learn how to protect yourself from Identity Theft |
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| HERE IS A LIST OF TOP IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION PRODUCTS THAT CAN SAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM IDENTITY THEFT |
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