Understanding and Preventing
Acquiring someone’s identifying information and impersonating them for gain
Check washing Dumpster diving Mail theft Check creation software Online information theft
Open credit cards Make purchases illegally Apply for loans Gain unauthorized access to physical locations Take over financial accounts Establish services with phone or utility companies
Name Social Security Number Credit Card Account Numbers Mother’s Maiden Name Date of Birth
Remove mail promptly (Take out-going mail to post office) Do not give personal information over the phone Shred: Credit card applications Receipts Bills Financial documents
Inform Police and Postal Inspector Contact bank and ask to have account flagged Call credit card fraud units Register a Fraud Alert/Victim Impact statement Ask creditor for contact before opening new account Call the Federal Trade Commission