What is Identity Theft?
Imagine this scenario: You pull the mail out of your C-box. There's an envelope from a major credit card company. This is strange, because you don't have a credit card issued by that company. You open the envelope and discover a statement showing that you owe $2,500!
You've just learned that you are one of the growing number of victims of identity theft.
Identity theft and identity fraud are the terms used to describe crimes where someone obtains
and uses another person's personal data to commit fraud or deception, usually for financial gain.
Come on -- I'm a college student. Am I really at risk for identity theft?
YES! No one is immune from the risks.
How can I minimize my chances of becoming a victim of identity theft or identity fraud?
The US Department of Justice has created a publication that describes some simple steps you can take to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft and identity fraud. This document suggests you remember the acronym SCAM:
| S | Be Stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them. |
| C | Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn't. |
| A | Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report. |
| M | Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts. |
For full details, see the DOJ publication, available at http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
If you think you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, take action immediately to minimize the damage to your personal funds and financial accounts, as well as to your reputation. The California Public Interest Research Group (CalPIRG) and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse have published a list actions you should take. You can access the list online at http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17a.htm.
For more information:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=105_cong_public_laws&docid=publ318.105
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/tnw/brochures/idtheft.pdf
http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub280.pdf
http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
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