Involves acquiring key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, and social security number in order to impersonate them. This information enables the identity thief to commit numerous forms of theft and fraud! How identity thieves use your personal information: - They call your credit card company and, pretending to be you, ask to change the mailing address on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize there's a problem.
- They open a new credit card account in your name, date of birth, and SSN. They then buy thousands of dollars worth of property in your name and don't pay the bill!
- They open a bank account in your name and write thousands of dollars worth of bad checks!
- They buy cars and houses using your name!
- They establish phone or wireless service in your name!
- They counterfeit checks or debit cards and drain your account!
ID Theft Stats: - California is the leading state in ID thefts.
- ID theft is the fastest growing global crime.
- On average, it takes a victim 14 months and $800.00 to clear their credit history.
- In 1999 Maryland became the second state in the U.S. to enact ID theft legislation.
- Article 27, Section 231: Misdemeanor, fine up to $5000.00 or a year in jail for each offense.
- Cases of ID theft are rising in Maryland as well as in Baltimore County.
How identity thieves get your personal information:  | They steal wallets and purses containing your identification, bank and credit cards. Empty your wallet of extra credit cards and id's, cancel the credit cards you do not use. Keep a list of the ones you do! |  | They steal your mail, including your bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone calling cards and tax information. Guard your mail from theft. Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after it has been delivered. |  | They rummage through your trash, or trash of businesses, for personal data in a practice known as "dumpster diving." Cut up all pre-approved credit card offers you do not decide to keep before you throw them into the trash. |  | Shred pre-approved credit card applications, receipts, bills, and other financial information you do not want before throwing them into the trash. |  | They use personal information you share on the Internet. Use caution when disclosing checking account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal financial data at any web site. Make sure the web site is protected for Internet transactions. Never disclose passwords over the Internet! |  | They complete a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location. If you notice that you have not received mail for several days, immediately contact your local post office to make sure no one has changed your address! |  | They get your business or personnel records at work. Check with your employer and make sure that your personnel records are kept in a secure area with limited access! |  | 
When destroying unwanted credit cards make sure you cut up entire card! |  | If you become a victim, contact your nearest U.S. Postal Inspection Service and your local police department.
The U.S. Postal Service investigates cases of identity theft. The USPIS has primary jurisdiction in all matters infringing on the integrity of the U.S. mail.
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Action steps for identity theft victims: Credit Bureaus: Equifax:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111 to order a report.
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285 Experian:
P.O. Box 949, Allen TX. 75013-0949
For report and fraud: 1-888-397-3742 Trans Union:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
For a report: 1-800-916-8800
To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289 or write: fraud victim assistance division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634 |
Courthouse 