Identity theft is when criminals use your personal information such as,

your name, address, Social Security number, Driver License number to get a

credit card for themselves. Once they have the card, they will apply for loans,

rent apartment, open a checking account and write bad checks. They can also

use your account to pay for utilities.

           When they use the card, the charges on the accounts will be under your name.

They will change the address on the accounts, so you won’t receive the bill. When you

go to apply for a loan, you will realize you have delinquent account under your name,

or you get calls from collection agencies about bills you never incurred.

         Some other frauds they can do with your information are getting government

benefits such as Social Security, official ID cards, file a tax return under your name,

and get health services. If their arrested, they will give your information, and if they never

show up to court, there will be a warrant under your name.

         Here are some things to do to prevent identity theft.

         1- Always carry minimal content with you. Do not carry unnecessary

credit card with you. Memorize your Social Security, so you don’t have to carry it

with you.

         2- Beware of Phishing, this is where criminals pretend to be a financial institution

bye-mailing you a message for you to enter your personal information.

         3- Make sure that your mailbox is locked up properly.

         4- You want to remove your name and address from the phone books

         5- Check your credit report at least once a year from the credit agency such as

Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.

         6- Mail or call the credit bureau and have them put a note in your record

that if there is any account being open, they have to call you at a specific number to

get your permission.

         7- Opt-out for pre-approved credit card offers that you get through the mail.

Thieves will steal these mails, change the address on it, and get the cards themselves.

To Opt-Out Call 1-888-5-Optout.

         8- Always be cautious about giving out your Social Security number, Driver

 License number, mothers’ maiden name.