Identity Theft

Identity theft is a form of fraud that occurs when an individual assumes another person's identity. This is usually done in order to access resources or benefits in that person's name. Personal and identifying information such as Social Security numbers, credit card and banking account numbers, usernames and passwords are some of the more common information stolen. This information if often used to open credit accounts, take out loans, steal money from the victim or use available credit.

Here are some tips to avoid identity theft online:

• Do not provide any financial information online unless it is part of a legitimate transaction on a secure site as our previous page discussed.
• Do not provide personal information (especially your Social Security number) to someone you do not know.
• Beware of impostors; verify individuals' and organizations' identity before providing them any information.
• Do not write down your username and passwords unless you absolutely have to; and if you do, keep them in a safe place.
• Check your credit and other financial statements regularly. You may not know immediately if someone has assumed your identity, so be sure to look for signs of any suspicious activity within your financial accounts.

If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, be sure to report this both to your local police and to the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-ID-THEFT or http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm, and contact your financial institutions that may have been affected immediately.

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