CyberAngels

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft, or identity fraud, refers to all types of crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses the personal information of another in such a way that involves fraud or deception, usually for financial gain. Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America and other countries around the world.

Your personal data such as your social security number, your bank account or credit card number, telephone calling card number, and other valuable identifying data, including your date of birth, can be used by the wrong persons to personally profit at your expense. Using such information, unauthorized persons can not only wreak havoc with an individual's personal finances but can even take over their identity altogether amassing enormous debts and even committing criminal acts in the name of their victims.

The effect on victim's lives can be devastating both financially and emotionally and can take years to recover.

What to do if you are a victim of ID Theft

If you are a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends a four-step action plan:

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
4. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.