Identity Theft: What You Should Know

Identity theft is everywhere today. Whether you're shopping online, reviewing an electronic account statement or sending information through the mail, it's important to know who could potentially view that private content.

How Criminals Get Your Personal Information

Criminals can obtain personal information in a number of ways: stealing wallets, purses, and mail containing account statements, pre-approved credit card offers, new checks, and tax information. Thieves will then complete a "change of address" form to divert your mail to another location.

Other tech-savvy scammers will use a method called "phishing", which involves sending fraudulent e-mails to attempt to scam others into revealing personal financial information. Thieves may also try a tactic called "pharming", which is when a hacker creates a phony but authentic looking replica of a legitimate website.

How Criminals Use Your Stolen Information

Criminals may request additional credit or debit cards in your name. Thieves may also open a new credit card account using your name, date of birth and Social Security number but their mailing addresses to receive the cards. When the thieves don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.

Some information, such as whether you own a home, pay real estate taxes, or have ever filed for bankruptcy, is public record. However, you should never reveal your account numbers, passwords, or PINs, Social Security number, mother's maiden name, ar any other sensitive information about your financial accounts unless you initiate the telephone call.  You should never provide confidential or sensitive information to any e-mail request as financial institutions already have your information on file.