Most people don’t think much about their personal information until it falls into the wrong hands. Your name, Social Security number and financial account information are valuable to criminals who can use them to commit fraud, open unauthorized accounts and cause lasting damage to your credit and reputation.

Identity theft remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. Each year, millions of Americans become victims, resulting in billions of dollars in financial losses.

Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains your personal information without your knowledge and uses it to commit fraud or other financial crimes.

Depending on the circumstances, identity theft may violate both federal and state law and those convicted can face substantial fines and imprisonment.

How can someone steal my identity?

Identity thieves have many ways to obtain your personal information. They may steal your mail, gain unauthorized access to your financial accounts or use your personal information to impersonate you.

Criminals often go to great lengths to gather sensitive information. Some engage in “dumpster diving” by searching through business dumpsters, public trash receptacles or even residential garbage cans for bank statements, credit card offers, account information or other documents that contain personal data.

Trash is not the only source of valuable information. Identity thieves may also steal mail from your mailbox or contact you by phone, pretending to represent a legitimate business or financial institution. They often claim to have a valid reason for requesting your personal or financial information.

In the workplace, scammers may pose as representatives of your bank, credit card company or another trusted organization in an attempt to obtain account numbers or other identifying information. In some cases, thieves target businesses directly by stealing employee records.

In public places, identity thieves may engage in “shoulder surfing” by watching as you enter a PIN number or credit card information. They may also listen while you provide sensitive information over the telephone.

The internet has created additional opportunities for identity thieves through a practice commonly known as “phishing.” Fraudulent emails, text messages or websites are designed to trick individuals into revealing passwords, banking information or other personal data.

Once identity thieves obtain your information, they may open fraudulent credit accounts, apply for loans, make unauthorized purchases or withdraw money from your bank accounts.

Beyond the financial losses, identity theft can also damage your credit history, reputation and good name.

How can I protect myself from identity theft?

The first step in protecting yourself is recognizing that identity theft can happen to anyone. Make it a habit to safeguard your personal information and share it only when necessary.

Remain alert for warning signs that may require immediate attention. If bills stop arriving, you receive collection notices for accounts you do not recognize or you are denied credit without explanation, identity theft may be the cause.

Review your credit reports regularly to verify that the information is accurate and to identify any unauthorized activity. Federal law allows consumers to obtain free copies of their credit reports from the major credit reporting agencies.

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

If you believe your identity has been stolen, act quickly to minimize the damage to your financial accounts, credit history and reputation.

• Contact one of the major credit reporting agencies immediately by phone or online and request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. Keep detailed records of all communications.
• Close any accounts you believe have been compromised and confirm those closures in writing whenever possible.
• Notify your banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions that you have been the victim of identity theft.
• File a report with your local law enforcement agency.
• If you believe your mail has been stolen or intercepted, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• If your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.

An experienced attorney can help guide you through the recovery process, protect your legal rights and assist in restoring your financial standing and good name.

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Shawna L. L’Italien, a lawyer in the Salem office of Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell. She can be reached at (330) 337-6586 or at slitalien@hhmlaw.com.