IDENTITY THEFT AND YOU
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to open an account or to apply for a service, or takes over an existing account or service.
Watch for the warning signs!
- Missing bills or statements. If you did not receive an expected bill or statement by mail.
- Unexpected charges. If there are charges you don’t recognize on your account, or transactions with vendors you don’t recognize.
- Denied credit. If you are denied credit or are offered less than favorable credit terms for no reason.
- Unsolicited credit cards. If you receive credit cards that you didn't apply for.
- Collection calls. If you get calls from creditors or debt collectors regarding merchandise or services that you did not buy.
Trends in identity theft
- Identity theft is growing and can be costly to resolve. In 2008, identity theft increased by 22%, affecting 9.9 million Americans.
- Many victims don’t know the source of the crime. An ITAC survey found that nearly four out of five victims don’t know how criminals got access to their information.
The consequences of identity theft
- Identity theft can harm your credit. Mistakes or inaccuracies in your credit report and lower your credit score, making it harder, or more expensive, to get credit.
*2009 Consumer Identity Protection Services Scorecard (May 2009)