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Identity Theft
IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.
How Thieves Can Steal Your Identity?
- They steal wallets and purses containing your identification and bank cards
- They steal your mail, including statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks and tax information.
- "Dumpster Diving" going through your trash at home or work.
- "Shoulder Surfing" at the ATM machine to steal your PIN.
- They scam you, often by e-mail, posing as legitimate companies or government agencies.
Here’s Some Ways to Guard Against Identity Theft:
- Do not leave checks or credit cards in an unattended vehicle or in any public place.
- Invest in a shredder and shred all paperwork with personal information on it before placing it in the trash.
- Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors or anyone you may be unsure of.
- Deposit outgoing mail into a post office collection box rather than leaving it in an unsecured mailbox.
- Promptly remove any mail from your mailbox.
- Place orders only with secure web sites.
- Check your credit card and bank statements.
What to Do if You’re Victim of Identity Theft:
- File a police report as soon as possible and obtain the report number for future reference.
- Report the identity theft to the following three credit bureaus:
1. Equifax - www.equifax.com <http://www.equifax.com/>- 1-800-685-1111
2. Experian - www.experian.com <http://www.experian.com/>- 1-888-397-3742
3. TransUnion - www.transunion.com <http://www.transunion.com/>- 1-800-916-8800
- Report fraudulent use of your Social Security Number by calling the social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271.
- Contact your financial institutions. Consider obtaining new account numbers and PIN Numbers.
More information about identity theft can be obtained by contacting the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338, or at their Web Site: www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
Also here is a web site to the US Department of Justice about identity theft: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
Brian Ferry
Crime Prevention Officer
Bolingbrook Police Department
375 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
E-mail: bferry@bolingbrook.com
Phone: 630-226-8681
Fax: 630-226-8729
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