Identity Theft
What it is:
Identity theft occurs when someone fraudulently uses your personal identifying information
to obtain credit, take out a loan, open accounts, and get identification and numerous
other things that involve pretending to be you. Identity theft is one of the
fastest growing crimes in the country and the age group 18 – 29 reports the
highest incidence of the crime.
Watch out for these signs:
- Statements for your financial accounts stop arriving at the normal time without
prior notice from your financial institution.
- Bills start coming for things you did not buy, or charges show up on your credit
card for purchases you did not make or bills that should be coming, stop coming.
How can you keep this from happening to you?
- It is not always easy to recognize identity theft, so it is a good idea to obtain
a copy of your credit report at least once a year. A copy of your credit report
can be obtained for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.
- Internet “phishing” scams are sure ways to lose personal information.
A phishing scam is evident when someone emails you pretending that your bank account
or other financial account is in jeopardy and you must go to a website and “confirm”
or “verify” your account information. To avoid the traps of phishing
scams: look up the bank and call rather than using the link or a phone number provided
by the email; type URLs into your browser rather than using a link provided in an
email.
- If you conduct financial business over the Internet, use personal firewalls and
security software.
- Do not provide personal information on an unsecured website. Look for an “s”
following http and a padlock at the bottom of the screen and check the web address
in the browser. You might want to install a web browser tool bar to help protect
you from known fraudulent websites.
- Minimize the personal information you carry with you. Do not carry your Social
Security card with you. Guard passwords and pin numbers - don’t
allow a stranger to see your pin number at the ATM.
- Secure your personal information in your living area, leaving financial information
lying around might be too much of a temptation for some people.
- Do not give personal information over the phone or on the Internet unless the connection
is secure and you initiated the call or purchase.
- Shred all personal and financial information, including old credit cards, pre-approved
credit card offers, and credit card receipts, before throwing them away.
- In case your credit cards, ATM cards, or checks are stolen or missing you should
have a back-up list with account numbers, expiration dates, and contact information
kept in a safe place.
- Use passwords that are difficult to guess and contain a combination of letters and
numbers.
- Do not mail payments or accept credit cards at an unsecured mailbox; go to the post
office.
What do you do if your identity is stolen?
Immediately contact your creditors, banks, credit bureau, local law enforcement
agency and the Federal Trade Commission by phone and in writing. Let them know that
you are a victim of identity theft. Keep a record of all communication you make
with these agencies, including everything you send them, each person you talk to,
and the date and time of all communication. Make sure you fill out a police report
and retain a copy of it regarding the theft of your identity.
Close any accounts an identity thief has opened in your name. Cancel any of
your credit cards an identity thief is using. Place a credit freeze on your
credit report so an identity thief can’t open any accounts or get credit in
your name.
Refer to the Identity Theft Prevention and Repair Kit developed by the NM Attorney
General’s Office for more information.
Useful Links
United States Securities and Exchange Commission offers information on preventing
identity theft, and advice on avoiding investment fraud.
www.sec.gov/investor/pubs.shtml
Anti-Phishing Working Group provides detailed information on numerous phishing scams,
you can also report phishing scams to them.
www.antiphishing.org
ScamBusters provides information on Internet scams, identity theft, and urban legends.
www.scambusters.org
Snopes has extensive information on urban legends of all types.
www.snopes.com