Identity Theft - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Get the Answers to Common Questions about Identity Theft

Concern about identity theft is everywhere these days. Whether youre a housewife concerned about someone looking over your shoulder as you write checks in the supermarket, or an employee wondering about the HR staff that has access to your personnel file, you have good reason to be concerned.

With technologys increasing ability to monitor sensitive files, isnt the risk of identity theft actually decreasing rather than increasing?
Sad to say, the theft of personal identification information continues to increase. Although surveys conducted a few years ago suggested that certain types of privacy invasion had decreased, the duplication of someones personal information for illegal purposes has grown exponentially. Today, millions of victims throughout the country and around the world suffer adverse effects because of this loss.

Who are the likeliest victims?
Anyone can fall prey to unscrupulous con artists who may steal your name, address, email contact information, social security number, or computer system password. Millions of people around the world have had their privacy invaded, and most did not learn of it until they experienced a financial setback through an erroneous credit report or a new charge, often late, that is presented for payment. Victims can be any age, so it is important to be guard teenagers and even childrens information from predators eyes.

What can credit robbers do with my information?

They can transfer purchases and even utilities they are using to your name. When they dont pay these bills, the creditors will come after you. Some creditors are not particularly sympathetic about credit card fraud. They can become impatient or demanding, and in some cases sue the credit card owner (you) for payment until the crime is investigated and resolved. Sometimes the thief will open multiple accounts and charge thousands to your credit, leaving you with an impossible mountain of bills to pay.

How long will it take to investigate an identity theft?

Depending on the extent of the crime and whether the thief can be traced, it could take weeks or months, perhaps even years, to recover your losses or even your good credit standing. You may need to file incident reports with merchants who are trying to collect payment from you. In some cases, you will have to file a police report and perhaps even be fingerprinted. Current accounts may be closed, meaning you will have to open new onesperhaps at the introductory level. In the meantime, creditors will expect you to continue making monthly payments on accounts that include charges you did not make.

How can I protect against identity fraud?

First, never carry unneeded information with you in public. Keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box at the bank. Use a lockable file cabinet for print information like birth certificates and social security cards. For online information, install computer anti-theft and anti-virus programs. Avoid using unsecured servers, and never pay by credit card or share personal information online unless you are absolutely sure of confidentiality.

For more information, contact your credit providers and lenders to find out what they are doing to protect your personal information. Ask about additional steps that you can take, as well.

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The History of Identity Theft
Read about the roots of identity theft and how it all started.

Identity Theft Statistics
The Identity Fraud statistics and the alarming new trends that they reveal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Identity Theft
Get answers to your questions about ID theft. From the risks to prevention tips, the answers are here.

Tips on Recovering from Identity Theft
Information on how to get back your identity and your life.

ID Theft and its Impact on your Credit Score
How Does Identity Theft Impact Your Credit Rating? Find Out Here.

Identity Theft and the Law
Information on how offenders are being tracked and the laws surrounding ID fraud.

Learn how to Prevent Your Identity from Being Stolen
Don’t become an Identity Theft victim. All you need to know to stop it before it happens to you.

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