Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, credit cards, checks, or driver’s license without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States.

How does identity theft happen?

Despite your best efforts to manage the use of your personal information, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your data. Some of these methods include stealing wallets and purses and changing the address on credit accounts to divert mail to another location. They also steal mail from mailboxes or rummage through garbage to look for personal data.

How do I reduce my risk of identity theft?

Here are a few tips to minimize your risk:

  • Don’t carry your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate with you except when necessary.
  • Carry only necessary debit/credit cards and ID.
  • Don’t give out your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, or account information over the phone unless you are sure the caller is legitimate, or you initiated the call.
  • Don’t place paid bills with checks or payment information in your mailbox for pickup.
  • Have your mail held by the post office if you will be away from home for an extended period.
  • Shred all credit card receipts, solicitations, canceled checks, and other financial documents before throwing them away.
  • Have your name removed from mailing and solicitation lists.

What should I do if I believe my identity has been stolen?

Contact your local police department immediately and report an identity theft. Most fraudulent use of cards or checks takes place within days of the items being lost or stolen. Notify the creditor and 4Front Credit Union immediately at 800-765-0110. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus and request that a “fraud alert” be placed on your name and Social Security number. Retailers and financial institutions often use these three major bureaus in lending decisions. The fraud alert may help prevent someone from using your identity to get credit.

File an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can be done by calling the Identity Theft Hotline at 877-IDTheft (877-438-4338), or online at the FTC’s ID Theft website.

If your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline by calling 800-269-0271.

Learn more by visiting the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). The ITRC is a non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity theft, data breaches, cyber security, scams/fraud and privacy issues.