What is Identity Theft? 

Identity theft is a crime.  According to the U.S. Department of Justice, identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.  Sometimes criminals may use identity theft to mask their real identity to undertake serious crime.

How does a thief steal your identity? 

An identity thief is after information that personally identifies you.  This information may include your name, date of birth, address, financial account information, credit card numbers, or social security number. 

Most of us do not realize how easy it is to obtain personal data.

Common ways an identity thief may obtain your personal information: 

·      Shoulder surfing - A thief may watch you from a nearby location and observe you type in information such as your credit card number, PIN, or calling card number.  They may listen in on a conversation where you give your credit card number over the phone to a hotel or other merchant.  

·      Dumpster Diving - A thief can obtain valuable information discarded in your trash, such as credit card or bank statements, checks, or other records that contain your name, address, or phone number.  A thief may also use a discarded credit card offer you put in the trash to open an account in your name, and then use the account for fraudulent purposes.

·      Changing your address – A criminal may attempt to complete a change of address form to have your billing statements and other mail to another address.

·      Skimming - During an otherwise legal transaction using your credit or bank card, a thief may photograph, copy, or use a small electronic device that captures and stores credit and bank card information.

·      Phishing – Through the use of spam, pop-up messages, or other fake email offers, a thief can obtain bank account information, credit card numbers, or other financial information.

·      Stealing – A thief may steal your wallet, purse, or mail to use your credit cards or personal information.

·      Pretexting – Through the use of false pretenses, a criminal may obtain your information from financial institutions, utility companies, telephone companies, or other sources which may have your personal information.

Ways to help minimize the opportunity for a criminal to steal your identity:  

·      Be careful when giving out any personal or financial information.  We may use our credit cards, debit cards, or other financial transaction methods several times a day.  Be mindful of who you are giving your information to and be alert to any suspicious activity on your financial accounts. 

·      Ask questions about how your personal information will be used before you give it to anyone.  If you do not absolutely have to give personal information, do not give it.  You may have the choice to not use information requested, such as telephone numbers, addresses, or other valuable information. 

·      If you do not receive credit card bills or other financial statements on time, follow-up on them quickly.  Consider paperless statements. 

·      Only provide your social security number when completely necessary.  Other forms of identification may suffice. 

·      Carry only the identification and credit/bank cards you need.  If your ID or credit/bank cards are stolen immediately notify your creditors and/or financial institution by calling them.  You then should call the three credit bureaus to request a fraud alert be placed in your file. 

·      Check your credit report at least once a year.  Check for accuracy, any suspicious transactions, or unauthorized activity. 

·      Guard all personal information carefully.  Shred bills, statements, receipts, credit applications/offers, expired credit cards, and any other information containing personal or financial information as soon as you no longer need them.

 What to do if you become the victim of Identity Theft: 

1.       Immediately contact the fraud units of the three principal credit bureaus.

EQUIFAX
PO Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30348
(800) 525-6285
 

TRANS UNION
PO Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
(800) 680-7289
 

EXPERION
PO Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
 

2.   If an account has been fraudulently opened or accessed, contact the security departments for the appropriate creditor/financial institution.  Have the accounts closed. 

3.   Report the crime to the local police and obtain a copy of your report to provide to financial institutions or credit companies if requested, and for your personal file.  

4.   Contact the Federal Trade Commission

Below are some helpful websites for information concerning Identity Theft and Fraud:
 

United States Department of Justice, Identity Theft and Identity Fraud - 

http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html

Federal Trade Commission, Fighting Back Against Identity Theft - 

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - 

http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Federal Bureau of Investigations, Common Fraud Schemes - 

http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/internet_fraud/internet_fraud

Federal Trade Commission, Avoiding Credit Card and Charge Card Fraud - 

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre07.shtm

Social Security Administration, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number - 

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html

Identity Theft Resource Center®, Nonprofit Organization -

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/

The information contained in this bulletin was obtained from various sources by the USC Division of Law Enforcement & Safety, Office of Crime Prevention and Community Relations. 

For additional safety advice and tips, you may contact Sgt. Kenneth Adams at 777-0855 or e-mail Adamskl@mailbox.sc.edu. If you are a victim or witness of a crime, you can call Inv. Calvin Gallman at 777-7786 or e-mail calvinr@mailbox.sc.edu for assistance.