Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft

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What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses your name Social Security Number (SSN), banking information, gets credit card accounts in your name as well as a drivers license without your knowledge to commit crimes. They can steal money from your personal banking accounts and run up astronomical debts on credit cards, default on loans taken out in your good name or even in the worst situations commit crimes, from minor traffic tickets to major felonies. They can even get jobs under you identity.

Worst of all a lot of identity theft victims might not even find these things out for months or sometimes years down the road when they try to apply for a loan, buy a car, home or a credit card. It's important that you check your credit report a couple of times a year. This way you can spot any unusual activity before the thief can really do harm to your credit and your good name.

How do people take your identity?

There's all sort of ways a criminal can get your personal information. You do not need to lose your wallet stolen to have someone steal your identity. A personal identity thief can get information maybe though the work place, your discarded mail. Stealing from your home, utility bills, credit card slips and other documents. Photo phones are even used to take a picture of your license, credit card information, banking information and even at the checkout line at the grocery store.Once a theft has you in there sites the can apply for duplicate birth certificate (which the can get a license with) as well as your social security card. They apply in person for instant credit, or through the mail by posing as you.

What to do if identity theft happens to you!

You have to report identity theft to the police and obtain a copy of your police report. Also call the 3 main credit reporting agencies and have a fraud alert put on your credit profile. It also very important to following up with a registered letter, keeping a copy for your records so you know which are the fraud accounts.

If you are a victim of identity theft, you have some the protection under the law only if you make out a police report. If you don't do a police report, you will not have the protection the law provides.

Equifax - www.equifax.com
call: 800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian - www.experian.com
call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write:
P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013

Trans Union - www.transunion.com
call: 800-888-4213 or write:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022