Techniques Used by Identity Thieves

Identity thieves use a variety of information. Any of these pieces of information are fair game for identity thieves, though some are more valuable than others: SSN, date of birth, credit card numbers, driver’s license number, Social Security card, passwords and usernames, rewards account numbers, and more.

Identity thieves can steal your personal information directly or indirectly by: Stealing your wallets and purses containing identification cards, credit cards and bank information. Stealing your mail including credit and bank statements, phone or utility bills, new checks, and tax information.

• Skimmer devices. Thieves can copy your credit card information using a hand held device called a skimmer.
• Dumpster diving.
• Mail theft.
• Internet.
• Phishing.
• Pretext Calling.
• Shoulder Surfing.
• Card Verification Value Code Requests.

There are a number of ways identity thieves may obtain your personal information. Fraudsters may dig through mail or trash in search of credit card or bank statements. Unsecured web sites or public Wi-Fi may allow identity thieves to access your information electronically.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

1. You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
2. You don’t get your bills or other mail.
3. Merchants refuse your checks.
4. Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
5. You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.

Consider paying for an identity theft protection service only if: You’re already the victim of identity theft or at high risk of it. You are unwilling to freeze your credit reports. You have checked and don’t have adequate identity theft monitoring available for free as a benefit or as a result of a data breach.

While Identity Guard, Experian and LifeLock offer many similar services, each is best for different circumstances. LifeLock’s 24/7 assistance is a big plus, while Identity Guard includes high-risk transaction alerts and risk management scores at all plan levels. LifeLock is a best for tech-savvy consumers.

thanks for visiting cnnmoney.

• Check your statement. It may seem obvious, but the first step you should take is looking for any charges you don’t recognize on your statement.
• Call your credit card company, bank and Target.
• Replace your credit card, change your PIN.
• Sign up for a fraud monitoring service.

Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission: It’s important to report any case of identity theft, including social media identity theft, to the Federal Trade Commission. It’s easy to do this, too. Log onto IdentityTheft.gov to file your report.

Examples of Identity Theft

• Stolen Checks. If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies.
• ATM Cards.
• Fraudulent Change of Address.
• Social Security Number Misuse.
• Passports.
• Phone Service.
• Driver License Number Misuse.
• False Civil and Criminal Judgements.

What To Do Right Away

1. Step 1: Call the companies where you know fraud occurred. Call the fraud department.
2. Step 2: Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports. Place a free, one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus.
3. Step 3: Report identity theft to the FTC.

Here are 10 steps to take if you feel that you may have been a victim of identity fraud.

1. Notify affected creditors or banks.
2. Put a fraud alert on your credit report.
3. Check your credit reports.
4. Freeze your credit.
5. Report the identity theft to the FTC.
6. Go to the police.
7. Remove fraudulent info from your credit report.