Identity Theft
IDENTITY THEFT / FRAUD By a show of hands, how many of you ever received a pre- approved credit card offer in the mail and trashed it? ... For everyone of you who raised your hand to any of the questions asked may have been or may still be a victim of identity theft or identity fraud. Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another persons personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. A friend of mine was personally affected by identity fraud and I am currently helping him go through the processes necessary to clear his name. So today I will be talking to you about how identity theft occurs, identifying whether or not you are a victim of identity theft, and discussing a few ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim. HOW IDENTITY THEFT OCCURS Unlike your fingerprints, which are unique to you and cannot be given to someone else for their use, your personal data especially your Social Security number, your bank account or credit card number, your telephone number, and other valuable identifying data can be used, if they fall into the wrong hands, to personally profit at your expense. ... Identity thieves can also establish phone service in your name, open a bank account in your name and write bad checks, and even give your name to the police if arrested.