Identity theft and identity fraud are crimes.  In short the terms are used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.  I interviewed numerous defendant's who reported they committed these types of crimes specifically for  economic gain.  During these tough economic times identity theft and fraud crimes are on the rise.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that it is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)   cites the following examples:

Credit Card Fraud:  The thief opens a new credit account under your name or changes the billing address on your credit card statement and then incurs the charges on you existing account without your knowledge.

Bank and Finance Fraud:  The thief gets a loan in your name, or creates fake checks using your existing account information, or writes bad checks after opening up a new bank account under your name, or drains your exiting bank account by cloning your debit or ATM card.

Utilities Fraud:  The thief employs your personal data to open a new phone or utility account in your name.

Government Documents Fraud:   The thief exploits your information to get a phony driver's license or ID card, or uses your name and Social Security number to file bogus tax returns or receive government benefits.

Additional Types of Fraud:  The thief uses your data to apply for a job, get medical services or identify himself after committing a crime.

Did you know that a large percentage of victims believe their information was compromised by someone they know.  Another sizeable portion of victims never figure out how their personal data was stolen.

There is no way to stop all forms of identity theft,  however there are many techniques you can use to reduce your risk and take control of your PRIVATE information. 

P-Protect your personal information.  Protect your purse and wallet.  Shred items with any personal information  including financial statements,  credit card offers and any other mail that may help a thief identify you. 

R-Remind yourself to check your financial records frequently.  Look for charges you did not incur.  Know your mail and be suspicious if you do not receive a credit card bill or bank statement it could have been stolen or redirected by the thieves. 

I-Investigate forms and policies.  They can be misleading.  Much of the information requested on applications and forms by financial institutions, medical offices and government is not legally mandatory.  Many people accept that the requestor has a lawful right for the information because the question appears on the form.  Read the law and understand exactly what is required.  Ask the person requesting the form to show you the law.

V-Don't be a victim.  If you suspect you are the victim of identity theft file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, contact the fraud units of the three major credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.  Ask the reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your reports.  Communicate with your creditors and financial institutions.  File a report with local law enforcement.  Keep detailed notes of you conversations with authorities and institutions.  Keep notes of the people you spoke with including full names, badge numbers, dates and times. 

A-Annual credit reports are free.  Check these reports for any suspicious activity. 

T-Take the time  to act now.  By acting now in a few simple ways you may avoid being the victim of identity theft.  It is a known fact that thieves look for easy targets. 

E-End terminate or stop identity theft.  Anytime you don't initiate a transaction whether it be a phone call or email, be suspicious.  If you receive an email don't respond.  If it is a genuine request there should be a note on your account when you securely check in.  If there is no alert contact the financial intuition and request further information.  You can no longer trust caller ID.  Attackers are reprogramming the number and disguising it  as your bank.  I actually tested this out with a fellow investigator from New York.  He called me and asked me "what number comes up on your caller id?  Interesting enough the call was coming from T & T Investigations in Phoenix, AZ ,our  investigative firm.

If you are interested in further information on identity theft please contact T & T Investigations.   If you suspect someone has used your identity and reside in the state of Arizona we can investigate the use of your social security number  for a minimal fee .  If you do not reside in Arizona we can offer other resources and referrals. 

M ore Resources on Identity Theft:

Federal Trade Commission:  www.ftc.gov/idtheft
U.S. Department of Justice:  www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud
Free Annual Credit Report:  www.annualcreditreport.com
http://media.csosa.gov/podcast/audio/category/idendity-theft/