A small company I worked for has my name, address, and social security number because I worked for them. I no longer trust them.
What can they do with this information?
Can they check my credit report even if they are not allowed to (htey are a company not a rental complex, not a mortgage agent.)?
Is it enough information for Identity Theft?

I have two identity theft accounts. Someone use my social security number to apply for SBC and Direct TV. I never receive bills from them. When I found out about these accounts, they already shown as collection on my credit report. These have negative effect on my credit. I called up the collection agency for SBC and told them this is not my account. They are not willing to remove me. I have called up Federal Trade Commission and reported these. They couldn’t do anything about this. I have try to consult free legal aids, they didn’t make any reply!!! How can I remove these identity theft accounts?

I just found out on the IRS site that I dont qualify because somebody claimed me as a dependent which is not true. I am single no children No Xs and my mothe stopped claiming me 27 years ago. Should I be looking in to Identity theft?

I have a family member that has committed identity theft against myself, as well as my father. He has established credit cards under my name using my social security number and I am afraid that going to authorities will cost me money, or get him into some serious trouble. He has taken credit cards out in my name and they have now been handed over to collection agencies. Needless to say, my credit is screwed. He is will to admit his wrong-doings. Can the amounts be taken out of my name and somehow established under his own? The same with my father? What do I need to do to clear my name and hopefully, protect this family member at the same time, in terms of jailtime. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have look across google and other sources, however, I cannot find information on the characteristics of cyber identity theft. All I find is cyber terrorism which is different from identity theft. Can someone help me find some creditable information on the characteristic of cyber identity theft please?

I had Identity theft. I have the major credit reports remove 87 inquires, 5 collection account and 2 credit cards. I still have 11 account that are not mine, but I'm in the process of removing them. When I had all these accounts and inquires my credit score went down 56 points, making my credit worse then before. I would like someone to tell me why I lost all these points when damaging items where removed, if you can help me in anyway that would be great. Thanks.

While applying for a job, I was told my background check showed that I am a convicted felon in Minnesota..I've never BEEN to Minnesota! This really threatens me in the job market..how do I run my own background check, to see if this should be reported as identity theft? Any knowledgeable answers very much appreciated!
Omg! You guys are freakin' me out..Well at least you made me laugh…Nicely Done, feckers!

Meaning, I know someone who says that society is now making a big deal over it and that it will never happen to him, because he already has bad credit, mostly due to his own choices anyway, and that the best way to be safe from identity theft is to already have bad credit.

How true is that?

We are moving and my car was broken into. They stole my wallet, which had my sons' social security cards, and my old one with my maiden name and my new one. They also ended up with my routing and account number, but I closed the account. They had my ID too, but that was mailed back to me from across the state. I am afraid they will open accounts in my sons' names, since they have all the information needed. How do I file a identity theft/fraud alert for free?

From my and other people’s experiences, PayPal® is anti-customer, having identity theft possibly via PayPal® as well as other major financial issues. What other companies that offer the same services are there than using PayPal®?

I have had so much trouble with identity theft the last few years. I have not been able to get a home or a car. I know there has to be a way out there to get some of those older items deleted isn't there?

I want to report the identity theft based on my credit report. But the police officer of Westminster Police Department in California said that she can not take my report because credit report is not a document for filing a report. Is it correct?

Someone apparently got my SS# and claimed me on their taxes in 2008 and since they did that I was not eligible to receive the Stimulus check that most people got. Is it possible to get my stimulus check back this year, seeing how it was basically like identity theft?? And if it is possible, how…What would I need to do to get that back this year?

Has anybody dealt with identity theft. Its lookin like somebody may have used my SS# to claim me on their taxes. This is why I am not getting a stimulus check

Be Informed and Up-to-Date!

Read Articles Concerning Identity Theft

Are you aware of identity theft and the danger it can bring to your life if you become one of its victims? Perhaps not yet. Do not think that your innocence regarding identity thefts subtle workings is a protection from being violated.

Identity theft is a malicious and vicious crime wave nowadays. It is but necessary that you be properly informed of its machinations and implication. You also need to be kept up to date of recent events and cases pertaining to such crime. Being informed and up to date is a step to prevent being attacked or being a victim of this crime.

There are many websites through out the Internet developed to give you needed information, data and updates regarding identity theft. These websites will tell you everything you have to know about identity thieves, how they operate, when and where they attack and what they usually do to carry out their malicious plan.

The information they share to the masses of internet users, who are usually the first target of this crime, are through articles concerning identity theft. In these articles, they explain the subtle machinations of identity thieves just to obtain strictly personal and confidential information about people.

Articles concerning identity thefts also give an account on how to prevent being victimized by identity thieves. There are also articles about the laws being passed against identity theft. There are also in-depth explanations of various identity theft cases already tried in court.

According to articles concerning identity thefts, the term identity theft is the co-option of another person’s personal and confidential information. Identity thieves go to great lengths to discover a person’s whole name, social security number, credit card number, passport and ATM card information. The persons whose personal information and identity they stole are usually clueless of this fraudulent activity until after a crime has been committed and they are deep in trouble because they are the assumed culprits.

Identity theft is a crime being committed by malicious and ingenious criminals. This crime takes on plenty of forms. It can also be conducted in many varying ways on different avenues. Though it uses different schemes, they are identified because of the wrongful acquisition of another person’s personal data through fraud or deception and typically for economic gain.

The Websites with articles concerning identity thefts explain why people need to take precautions against identity theft.

Unlike fingerprints, which are solely yours and cannot be stolen by others, for their own gains, your personal data like Social Security number, bank account or credit card number, telephone number, and other valuable identifying data can really be stolen and used for the criminal’s own ends. If valuable data of yours fall into wrong hands, you can become a victim of persons who would like to profit at your expense.

Some articles concerning identity theft also share particular tactics being employed by identity thieves just to get hold and access other person’s personal information. There are also news accounts on the incidents wherein identity theft may occur.

An example is the articles on credit reports containing serious errors that might cause consumers to be denied car loans, credit, credit cards and even mortgages. Another example is a recent article concerning identity theft warning consumers of the possibility of “huge victimization” within the next two years.

These reports all bear serious warnings to be extra careful in monitoring all financial transactions for unexplained account activity, withdrawals, or fund transfers.

There are also ample information about the nature and extent of identity theft activities as reported by victims.

There are also articles about good news on the fight against identity thefts. There is the article account about the Fair Credit Report Act. According to the article regarding this matter, the FCA requires credit-reporting agencies to fix credit card mistakes.

There are also legal websites that will give access to users legal articles concerning identity theft cases. They give brisk analysis and specific data about trying identity theft cases in formal legal proceedings.

Here are other areas where identity theft can occur:

- medical transactions
- bank transactions
- mails and e-mails
- credit card transactions
- Internet transactions

Many articles concentrate on the particular areas where there are risks of identity thefts. There are also articles concerning investigations and statistics of identity theft. Steps in proper prevention and warning about identity theft are also shared in most articles.

It is but wise for Internet users to read up and start feeding yourself with important stuff about identity theft.

Bank Identity Theft

How to protect yourself

Ever wonder how identity theft occurs? It is actually quite fascinating, if it is not a very malicious and dangerous crime.

Identity theft occurs once a thief assumes another person’s identity by using confidential information supposed to be known exclusively by that person. The thief will commit fraud using the person’s name and important confidential information without the victim ever knowing about such transactions.

When the person or victim finally finds out about the crime committed, the thief is long gone in excruciating anonymity. They leave behind a ruined reputation, and a paper trail of ruined credit, debts and collectors.

Sometime the implications of identity theft usually cause the wrongful arrest of the victim. Why so? Because, without the identity theft angle in the case, it can be assumed that the victim was the one who committed the crimes because it was done under his/her name.

It is an alarming occurrence and usually, the victims would suffer the implications of the crime for years to come.

The past several years brought about an alarming wave of identity theft crimes in different areas dealing with personal information and economic transactions.

One of the hardest hit by identity theft crimes are the banks. Bank identity theft has been around long before there were credit card, social security, Internet, job banks, airline and medical community identity thefts.

Bank identity theft occurrences vary. Some cases involve a thief continuously withdrawing huge amounts of cash from a bank account of another person until there is none left. Another case may involve the identity thief assuming the name and other personal information of another person then files for a bank loan.

Armed with personal information of another person, an identity thief can obtain a driver’s license. He/she can open new lines of credit and bank accounts even buy a car and get a mortgage. Bills and statements from these transactions are diverted to the thief’s temporary address.

They then bilk the victim’s credit line for all it is worth in cash advances, loans and credit card debt without intent to pay. All these occur with the thief hidden in a shroud of anonymity.

Bank identity theft and other forms of identity theft is a nightmare for millions of people who have become victims of such crime. Indeed, the figures of those victimized have reached into millions already. Sadly, though state and federal laws and stricter bank transactions have been imposed, the number of victims continues to rise each year.

When the walls come crashing in, you are left holding the bag and the thief is long gone. Financial recovery from identity theft can take years.

In United States and Canada, many people have reported unauthorized persons taking out funds form their bank or financial accounts. There are even worst cases when the victims report of an identity thief who has totally taken over their identities. With it, the thief have run up huge debts and committed crimes all under the name of the victim.

There was a notorious case of identity theft wherein the criminal, a convicted felon incurred more than $100,000 of credit card debt. Aside from this, the felon also obtained a federal home loan, bought homes, motorcycles, and handguns using the victim’s name.

With maniacal pride, he called his victim to taunt him. He declared that he could continue posing as the victim for as long as he wanted. During that time, identity theft was not yet a federal crime. Then, the thief filed for bankruptcy still using the victim’s name.

Very bitter was the fact that the criminal only served a brief sentence while the victim and his wife spent more than four years to restore their reputation and credit. They also spent more than $15,000 of their own money to win back their credit. The criminal did not even made restitution for all the danger he had caused.

The only positive thing that came out of this case and the others similar to this is when the Congress created a new federal offense against identity theft in 1998.

You can avoid being a victim of bank identity theft by identifying red flags that may indicate

Here are several red flags that indicate you may be a victim of identity theft:

1. There are bills for a credit card account you did not open.

2. There are notice charges, which you did not authorize on your credit card statement

3. No bills and credit card statements arrive on the days you expect them.

4. Unauthorized transfers or withdrawals on your bank statements show.

5. Notifications from collection agency about accounts you never opened.

6. Calls or notices from businesses about merchandise you did not buy.

7. Debts showing up on your credit reports that you did not file.

Be alert to the possibility of Identity Theft Fraud.
Nothing will prevent you from being an identity theft fraud victim. These criminals can easily commit identity because of the careless information-handling processes in the workplace, lenient credit industry practices, and the effortlessness of getting Social Security Numbers.

However, you can lessen your risk of fraud by following some simple steps. Consider them so you will not find yourself in the middle of an identity theft fraud.

On credit and debit reports.

1. Do not make it a habit of carrying all your credit and debit cards in your wallet at all times. It is also not advisable to use debit cards because they are more prone to losses to your checking account.

But you can have at least one or two credit cards and your ATM with you. If you are used to using debit cards, make the most of online access to your bank account to check your account activity regularly. It is best to report early signs of fraud to your financial bank or institution the earliest possible time.

2. When using your cards in public establishments, be wary of how they are being handled. Pay attention on how these cards are swiped by the clerk or waiter.

There are some employees who are using non-detectable skimmers to swipe the card and get the account number data from a personal computer later on. They can use the information achieved to purchase online or to make counterfeit cards.

3. It is not a good idea to use debit cards when you are shopping over the Internet. Instead of these cards, use a credit card instead. Yu are better protected if you use these kind of cards whenever you do some purchase online.

4. Maintain a list of copy of all your cards. You should also have a separate list for the account numbers, dates of expiration and phone numbers of customer service and fraud establishments.

It is best to keep them with you at all times. Put them in a safe pocket of what you are wearing so you will have immediate access to them whenever the need arises.

5. Do not give out any of your personal information over the phone, Internet or by mail. You can do this if you have enough trust on the person who will be receiving them.

One of the strategy that identity thieves use is calling out to their potential victims and telling them that they have won some contest. They will then tell you that you need to give out some personal data so you can get your prize.

6. Do not dispose your receipts anywhere. Always try and bring them along with you. If ever you want to throw them away, tear them first and find a safe place to thrash it in.

It is not wise to put receipts on shopping bags when you go shopping. Put them in your wallet or purse to avoid having someone getting hold of them.

7. Do not have your credit card number written your checks. Besides being exposed to dishonest persons, this is also in violation to some of the law in many states.

Take note that by doing this, you are more prone to being a victim of fraud.

8.Check the mail always especially if you are waiting for one of your cards to arrive. You never know who might be watching out for them and try to steal them when you are not looking.

If the card does not arrive at the anticipated date and time, contact the card company or the issuer to make sure that it have not fallen into the wrong hands already.

9. Request for a credit report at least once a year. The law gives you the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus.

Your credit report will show drastic signs and changes if ever you are a victim of identity theft. You might find in them inquiries not made by you, along with new accounts that you did not request or open.

The sooner you notice that an identity fraud is taking place, the easier and quicker it will be to clean up your credit files and get back your financial capabilities.

First we need to find out how to safeguard your identity in a mixed-up world of lousy criminals, mailbox villains and would-be password thieves!

All of us are facing an attack on our personal and financial privacy.

Looking at your private financial data without someone snooping over your shoulder can be almost impossible these days. It is very important to educate yourself about that tactics and methods that people use to take, steal and abuse your identity today.

What started out as a very dark and almost unknown game has now become a very lucrative career for some gangs and other criminals.

The term, “Identity Theft” can mean many different things to different people. It could include, stealing a credit card or a debit card from some one’s mailbox, taking their Social Security Number and filing for benefits, or it could mean skimming credit card numbers at a fast food restaurant.

Most people say they have no idea how it happened or even who are the criminals involved.

One of the more popular scams out there involves mortgage brokers and very low interest rates. The eager  applicant provides their Social Security Numbers and other details, then the robbers go to work. They take those numbers and send them to one of their minions, who fill out credit card applications. With those applications, (some can be filled out online,) they go to a large appliance store and buy as much and what ever they can. They take the merchandise with them and then either sell the items or keep them and send them around to their other family members. Sickening really.

A second scam involves the use of a skimmer. It is a small electronic device that can read ALL the information found on your credit or debit card. In one night, just one person can gather nearly 75 to 100 credit card numbers with this small machine.

There are so many ways the criminals can get to us, what are some ways that we can protect ourselves?
1. Shred records, statements, bills anything that has your name on it.

2. Lock your mailbox. Very simple but often overlooked.

3. Guard your Social Security number like it is a Thousand Dollar bill.

4. Clean up after yourself. Never leave any papers behind at the gas station or at the ATM.

5. Keep your eye on that credit card. Watch your waiter when he or she walks away with your card. And if you feel nervous, write down in a notebook the name of your server, the time and date, and a quick description. I don’t want you to distrust your waiter or server, but this is your money and good name here.

6. You do not have to give out your entire Social Security Number at medical offices. Usually they file your records under your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Be careful if someone demands to know your entire number. It is a rare circumstance for some one to need your entire number.

9. Monitor your credit report often. Receive and thoroughly inspect your credit report. You can order one for FREE at Annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. For an added level of security, you can pay for a yearly subscription to an Identity Theft protection service. Notice some of the links of the right side of the page. These services notify you any time an unusual item pops up on your report or if someone is trying to open a line of credit in your name. Some of these services even call you on your cell phone and ask you questions, “Are you at Big Time Car Dealership right now, sir?” If you are not trying to buy a car from Mr. Big Time, then they would put a Fraud alert on that transaction and the authorities would be called. Very nice!

These services are often very similar so it would be good to compare them side by side. Identity Theft products are here to stay.

If you have not followed any of these helpful hints, and you do fall victim to this type of fraud, here are the phone numbers and addresses of the big three credit bureaus:

Equifax
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian
To report fraud: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
and write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289
and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634

All I can say is, I hope it does not happen to you.

Let us begin by defining what is identity theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your authorization or permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The Federal Trade Commission’s website estimates that as many as 8.5 million people have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you may know, probably has experienced some form of identity theft.

There are many different kinds of Identity theft. These people could try to rent an apartment, order a credit card, or sign up for a telephone IN YOUR NAME!! You may not find out about this crime until you review your credit report or look at your credit card bill. Often times, it is too late, the crime has been committed. And you do not know about it until you are contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is a serious crime. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend thousands and many days repairing damage to their excellent name and credit record. Some people have even lost out on job opportunities, denied education loans, lost out on houses or vehicles, just because this negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit. How would you like to be arrested for something that some one else did?

Hopefully you can see this is a critical situation that affects your entire life. Below are a few easy items that may help you to be aware and possibly avoid being a victim of this crime.

How could these thieves steal your identity?

Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other bank account information. For identity thieves, this is where it all starts. Skilled identity thieves may use any one of these methods to steal from you:

1. Garbage Can Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it. (This is what shredders are for!!)
2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card. Usually when you hand your card to your server at a resturant. Word to the wise, “Do not let that card out of your sight!”
3. Phishing. They pretend to be your bank or even websites that you might have done business with in the past. They send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information. Don’t fall for it. Usually, banks and other’s never ask you in an email to enter your personal information. That is collected at the time you signed up, and under a secure server.
4. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
5. Good Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets, purses, mail, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers (Shred these!!), and tax information. They steal personnel records, or pay employees who have access a bribe.

All these methods are pretty disgusting to me and hopefully you too. What can we do about it?