Identity theft is a serious crime.

It occurs when Detect suspicious activity by routinely Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
your personal information is stolen and used monitoring your financial accounts and billing
without your knowledge to commit fraud or statements. • Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and
review tl1e reports carefully. The alert tells credilors
other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and
Be alert to signs that require immediate to follow certain procedures before they open new ac-
money. It can destroy your credit and attention: counts in your name or mal<e changes to your existing
ruin your good name. accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting
• Bills that do not arrive as expected companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your • Denials of credit for no apparent reason • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
information.
• Calls or letters about purchases you did not make • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
• Shred financial documents and paperwork with • Charges on your financial statements that you • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
personal information before you discard them. don't recognize Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your
• Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry Inspect: credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you
your Social Security card in your wallet or write your haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open and debts on
Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if • Your credit report Credit reports contain info1~ your accounts that you can't explain.
absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier. mation about you, including what
accounts you have and your bill paying history. • Contact the security or fraud departments of each
• Don't give out personal information on the phone, company where an account was opened or charged
through the mail or over the Internet unless you • The law requires the major nationwide wilhout your okay.
know who you are dealing with. Avoid disclosing credit reporting companies-Equifax,
Experian, and TransUnion-to give you a free • Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting docu-
personal financial information when using public ments.
wireless connections. copy of your credit report every 12 months if
you ask for it. • Use the 1D Theft ACfidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support
• Never clicl( on links sent in unsolicited emails; your written statement.
instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, • Visit www.AnnuaiCreditReport.com
or calll-877-322-8228, a service created • Ask for verification that the disputed account has
anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect been dealt with and the fraudulent debts discharged.
your home computer; keep them up-to-date. U you by these three companies, to order your free
annual credit report. You also can write: Annual • Keep copies of documents and records of your con-
use peel' to-peer file sharing, check the settings to versations about the theft
make sure you're not sharing other sensitive private Credit Report Request Service,
files. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more infom1ation. P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. • File a police report. File a report with Jaw enforcement
• Uyou see accounts or addresses you don 'I officials to help you correct your credit report and deal
• Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, recognize or infonnation that is inaccurate, \vith creditors who may want proof of the crime.
your mother's maiden name or the last four digits contact the credit reporting company and
of your Social Security number. • Report the tl1eft to the Federal Trade Commission.
the information provider. To find out how Your report helps law enforcement officials across
• Keep your personal information in a secure place to correct errors on your credit report, visit the country in their investigations.
at home, especially if you have roommates, employ ftc.gov/idtheft.
outside help or are having work done in your house. • Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
• By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)
orTIY, 1-866-653-4261
DETER ·DETECT·DEFEND • By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse,
Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
AVOID flc.govlidthefl FEDERAL TRADE COMM I SS I ON 600 PENNSYLVA NI A AVE., NW, WASH IN GTON, OC 20580 FTC.GOVIIDTHEF T 1 -877- 10-THEFT (438-4338)
 DETER ·DETECT ·DEFEND

COMMON WAYS 1D THEFT HAPPENS:

Identity thieves use a variety of methods
AVOID ftc.gov/idtheft
to steal your personal information, including:
1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash
looking for bills or other paper with your personal
information on il
2. Skimming. They steal crediVdebit card numbers
by using a special storage device when processing
your card.
3. Phishing. They prctcllll to be financial institutions,
companies or government agencies, and send
email or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your
personal information.
4. Hacking. They hack into your email or
other online accounts to access your personal
information, or into a company's database to
access its records.
5. "Old-Fashioned" Stealing. They steal wallets
and purses; mail, including bank and credit card
statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new DETER·DETECT·DEFEND
checks or tax information. They steal personnel
records from their employers, or bribe employees
who have access. AVOID ftc.govlidtheft

To Jearn more about 10 theft and how to deter, detect,

and defend against it, visit ftc.gov/idlheft. Or request
copies of ID theft resources bywriting to:

Consumer Response Center

Federal Trade Commission FIGHTING BACK AGAINST
600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, H-130
Washington, DC 20580
IDENTITY THEFT
May 2010
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISS ION