Use Caution to Spot, Prevent Identity Theft

(Originally published in The Business Journal)

In "Romeo & Juliet," the question was asked, "What's in a name?"  Although Juliet thought little of Romeo's name, she would feel differently today.

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America.  Over the past year, over 10 million Americans became victims of identity theft, resulting in costs over $60 billion. 

Identity theft happens when another person wrongfully obtains your personal information without your knowledge with the intent to commit fraud for economic gain.

Identity theft can be either a federal or state criminal offense.  Either one is punishable by imprisonment and fines.

How can another person steal my identity? 

Identity "thieves" can access your personal information in many ways.  They can steal your mail, hack into your bank accounts, or assume your name.

Identity thieves stop at nothing to gain your personal information.  Criminals sometime engage in "dumpster diving," or rummaging through the trash of businesses or public dumpsters, and even your garbage cans at home, to find your bank account information, credit card statements or any pre-approved offers you may have simply thrown away.

Garbage cans are not the only items at your business or home that pose risk.  Criminals may root through your mailbox, or they may call your business or home pretending to be someone else.  Identity criminals may pose as someone who may seem to have a legal right to your personal information.

At the office, they may pose as your credit-card company or financial institution and may ask for bank account or other identifying information.  In businesses or institutions, thieves sometimes steal records of your employees.

In areas open to the public, identity thieves engage in "shoulder surfing," by watching over your shoulder as you enter a PIN or a credit-card number.  They sometimes listen to the numbers when you are reciting them over the phone. 

The internet can also be a source used by identity thieves to steal information.  This is known as "phishing."  Criminals can gain your personal information when you respond to unsolicited emails and give away passwords or banking information. 

After the identity thieves steal your personal information, they can commit a wide range of crimes.  Thieves may open fraudulent loans or complete credit-card applications.  They can make unauthorized withdrawals from your bank account. 

In addition to economic loss, serious damage can occur to your reputation and good name. 

How can I protect myself from identity theft? 

Acknowledging that identity theft is a serious crime and that it could happen to you is the first step in protecting yourself from being a victim.  In your everyday activities, make sure you keep your personal information as private and personal as possible. 

It is important to stay alert and be aware of any signs that may require immediate attention.  If any of your bills do not arrive as expected, or if you were denied credit for no apparent reason, you could be the victim of identity theft. 

Check your credit report to make sure your credit history is correct, and report any activities you did not authorize.  You can obtain a free copy of your credit report each year from one of the three major credit reporting companies.

What should I do if I am a victim of identity theft? 

If you think you may have become a victim of identity theft, you must act immediately to reduce the amount of damage caused to your financial accounts, credit and good name. 

• Immediately contact, either by phone or the internet, any of the major credit bureaus and ask them to put a "fraud alert" on your credit report.  Document all of your conversations with any of the credit bureaus.
• Close all accounts that you suspect have been tampered with and confirm the account closures in writing.
• Contact your financial institutions to advise them that you have been the victim of identity theft.
• File a police report with your local police department.
• If you suspect that your mail has been intercepted, contact the U.S. Postal Service.
• If your social security number has been used fraudulently, contact the Social Security Administration.

Attorneys can be helpful in these situations to guide you through the process and assist you in protecting your good name and financial well being.

Murphy can be reached at kmurphy@hhmlaw.com at (330) 392-1541.