Avoid Identity Theft

By The Federal Trade Commission

Some Common Ways ID Theft Happen:

Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:

• Dumpster Diving: They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.

• Skimming: They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.

• Phishing: The pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

• Changing Your Address: They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address" form.

• Changing Your Address: Old Fashioned" Stealing: They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personal records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

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