Dwight Schrute knew what he was talking about, and with over 50,000 cases of identity theft reported each year in the US., and over 50,000 personal data breaches, it’s time we let his words sink in, because millions of families do suffer every year. So, let’s take a closer look at what identity theft really is, what signs to watch for, and how to protect yourself. We’ll also cover what to do if, despite all efforts, your information gets compromised.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. You may not even realize it at first, until bills arrive for purchases you never made, or debt collectors call about accounts you don’t recognize. Let’s be honest, scrolling through your bank statement like it's Instagram might not be the most fun, but it’s necessary, so please keep doing so. Spotting these warning signs early can save you a world of trouble.
How does Identity Theft happen and do you avoid it?
The acquisition of personal identifiers is made possible through serious breaches of privacy, and it’s easier than we’d like to think. Identity thieves use all kinds of sneaky tactics, including:
- Stealing wallets or purses to take IDs, credit cards, or bank info.
- Dumpster diving for sensitive documents like bank statements or tax forms.
- Installing skimmers on ATMs, registers, and fuel pumps to grab your card data.
- Snagging information from your phone when you’re on public Wi-Fi.
- Sending phishing emails, texts, or calls that look legit but aren’t.
- Spying your social media for details you might have accidentally shared through photos or posts.
- Using online quizzes and surveys to gather personal details.
Keep an eye on bills you owe and when they’re due; if a bill goes missing, it could mean that someone has changed your billing address. Review your account statements for strange charges or withdrawals, and check your credit reports for accounts you don’t recognize.
The good news? You can stay a step ahead of scammers. Here’s how:
- Secure documents with personal info, like birth certificates, Social Security cards, and account statements, in a safe place. Consider shredding sensitive papers before throwing them out (UPS usually has shredding machines).
- Don’t give out your Social Security number over the phone, email, or text, no matter how legit it seems. And never carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
- Protect your online accounts with strong passwords and add multi-factor authentication for extra security.
- Collect your mail daily, and put a hold on it when you’re out of town.
- Watch your credit card and bank statements closely, and report any unauthorized transactions.
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi, especially for sensitive transactions.
Bonus Tips
- For parents: As of January 1, 2013, you can place a security freeze on your minor child’s credit records. This prevents identity thieves from opening accounts in your child’s name. Just reach out to the three credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to make the request.
- Review your credit report twice a year from each credit reporting agency. Stagger these checks to get a fresh report every few months. You’re entitled to two free credit reports per year from each agency under Maryland and federal law. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com for access.
Need to reduce unwanted credit offers? Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (567-8688). To limit junk mail, write to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
What do I do if my Identity gets stolen?
If you think someone has stolen your identity, act quickly! Start by reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov, where you’ll receive a free, personalized recovery plan with next steps. Next, contact the IRS at irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection or by calling 1-800-908-4490 to address any tax-related concerns. Finally, consider filing an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. The IC3 provides a straightforward way to report cybercrime, alerting authorities to suspected criminal or civil violations. Your report will be sent to the appropriate law enforcement or regulatory agencies, including federal, state, local, or even international entities dedicated to combating cybercrime.
They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but trust us, identity theft is one type of “flattery” you don’t want to experience. Take these steps to protect yourself, and stay one step ahead of would-be impostors. You’ve got this!