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 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.

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.

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?