What is Identity Theft?
Do you lock your doors at night? Do you lock your car doors? Would you leave your purse or wallet on your table at a restaurant while you go to the restroom? Of course, not. In this day and time, we are careful because we know criminals are everywhere just waiting to take advantage of us. We would never leave our credit cards or money where they could be stolen by some crook. But are we also protecting our identity? Are we aware that identity theft is the new crime nightmare just waiting to catch us unaware?
The answer to the question of what is identity theft is simple. Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses another individual's personal information, such as name and social security number, for the purposes of thievery. What's not so simple is the many problems this crime can cause its victims. A person who's had their identity stolen may find themselves in trouble with their financial institution for bounced checks they never wrote. Credit can also be negatively affected by the actions of identity thieves, and can take a long time to repair.
The best way to avoid the hassle of identity theft is to take precautions to protect yourself. One way to do this is by keeping your Social Security number private. Don't carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet, and don't have it printed on your checks or driver's license. Your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can assign you a special identification number that you can use instead. Sometimes, you will be asked to give your Social Security number in certain situations. Employers will need your number for tax reasons, and landlords may request it for background checks. If you try to obtain credit, your Social Security number will be needed for creditors to access your credit reports. Sometimes you have to give the number out, but try to avoid doing so if possible. Also, when disposing of documents that contain personal information, use a shredder to destroy them rather than simply throwing them in the trash.
If you do ever fall prey to identity thieves, you should take action immediately. If you have credit cards, there is a toll-free fraud hotline for each one that you need to call. Also, call your bank and alert them as well. Then, you'll also want to call each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) and notify them of the crime as well. Close all accounts that you think have been violated, file a complain with the Federal Trade Commission, then call your local police department and file a report. Fighting back against identity theft can be a time-consuming process, but is well worth it!
Now that you know what is identity theft, how to prevent it, and how to fight back, you're less likely to fall victim. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today, but it doesn't have to be! With vigilant prevention and aggressive prosecution, more people can stay safe from this modern form of burglary.
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