Identity Theft – A Growing Epidemic
Identity theft (or ID Theft) is the process whereby a criminal steals your name, contact information and other personal information to commit fraud or other crimes - normally resulting in their own financial gain. ID Theft has become an increasing epidemic in the United States and elsewhere, as the growth of the Internet has provided new opportunities to "cash in" by stealing the identities of others.
ID Theft Quick Tips
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Identity Theft Overview
Identity theft is when a criminal uses your name, social security number or other personal information to commit a crime for financial gain. ID theft has become an epidemic in the U.S. and around the world, with millions of people becoming victims of identity theft each year. If you're reading this, you have a concern – and that concern is not unfounded.
How Identity Theft Happens
ID Theft can happen at some of the places you trust the most, such as banks, schools and universities, and even in your own home. ID Theft also happens through the mail, the Internet, ATM machines and even at your workplace. Just when you think you're aware of all the ways ID theft can happen, a new ID crime creeps up.
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Recovery
Reporting identity theft quickly is vital to protecting your credit and your financial standing. Once you realize you've been the victim of a stolen identity, you should take the following ID theft protection steps immediately. Read more
Minimize Your Risk
The number one way to protect yourself from ID Theft is by getting a new credit report and having your credit reports monitored regularly. Your credit report is a compilation of your financial history (and is also a target for credit report identity theft). If you have been a victim of identity theft, the identity theft crime will be reflected in your credit report. Find out how vulnerable you are to identity theft.