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Identity Theft -- Read what these consumers have experienced

"Someone used my Social Security number to get credit in my name. Identity Theft has caused a lot of problems. I have been turned down for jobs, credit, and refinancing offers. This is stressful and embarrassing. I want to open my own business, but it may be impossible with this unresolved problem hanging over my head."

From a consumer complaint, May 18, 1999

"Someone is using my name and Social Security number to open credit card accounts. All the accounts are in collections. I had no idea identity theft has taken place until I applied for a mortgage. Because these "bad" accounts showed up on my credit report, I didn't get the mortgage."

From a consumer complaint, July 13, 1999

"Help! Someone is using my Social Security number to get a job."

From a consumer complaint, September 20, 1999

"My elderly parents are victims of Identity Theft - credit fraud. We don't know what to do. Someone applied for credit cards in their name and charged nearly $20,000. Two of the card companies have cleared my parent's name, but the third has turned the account over to a collection agency. The agency doesn't believe Mom and Dad didn't authorize the account. What can we do to stop the debt collector?"

From a consumer complaint, October 7, 1999

Identity Theft - Their Opportunities Are Your Everyday Transactions

In the course of a busy day, you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, call home on your cell phone, order new checks or apply for a credit card. Chances are you don't give these everyday transactions a second thought. But someone else may.

The 1990's spawned a new variety of crooks called identity thieves. Their stock in trade are your everyday transactions. Each transaction requires you to share personal information: your bank and credit card account numbers; your income; your Social Security number (SSN); and your name, address and phone numbers. An identity thief co-opts some piece of your personal information and appropriates it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. An all-too-common example is when an identity thief uses your personal information to open a credit card account in your name.

Minimize Identity Theft Risk

Can you completely prevent identity theft from occurring? Probably not, especially if someone is determined to commit the crime. But you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely, cautiously and with heightened sensitivity.

The Internet, Identity Theft & Prevention

How can someone steal your identity? By co-opting your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information for their own use. In short, identity theft occurs when someone appropriates your personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.

Here are some ways that identity thieves work:

  • They open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. When they use the credit card and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.

  • They call your credit card issuer and, pretending to be you, change the mailing address on your credit card account. Then, your imposter runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, you may not immediately realize there's a problem.

  • They establish cellular phone service in your name.

  • They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.

Internet Account Updates

If you receive an e-mail request that appears to be from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) stating that your "account information needs to be updated" or that "the credit card you signed up with is invalid or expired and the information needs to be reentered to keep your account active," do not respond without checking with your ISP first. According to information received by the FTC, THIS MAY BE A SCAM.

Identity Theft - Additional Precautions

Sounds discouraging? Yes it is. BUT, there are things that you need to do immediately after you are made aware that your Identity has been stolen: 

  1. File a police report. Even though law enforcement say it’s difficult to make a case, your banks, credit car companies and who ever you conduct business with will need this as proof that a crime has taken place.

  2. Immediately Contact all three major credit bureaus, so they can put a fraud alert in your file.

  3. Contact the creditors or companies for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

  4. Call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).

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