Identity Theft

The FBI calls Identity Theft one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It occurs when one person's identification (which can include name, social security number, or any account number) is used or transferred by another person for unlawful activities.

Identity Crime Statistics:

• Affected people are approaching 1 million.
• Within a month of being committed, half of the crimes still remain unnoticed.
• 1 in 10 stays hidden for 2 or more years.

Ways in which your identity can be taken away from you:

• Stolen purse or wallet.
• Home computers can be infected with viruses that transmit your data.
• Personal information can be taken off documents found in the trash.
• They may use the identity of children or persons who are deceased.
• Victims can be tricked into releasing personal information by phone, mail, or email by criminals pretending to represent legitimate companies.
• Identity stolen by family or acquaintances.

Protecting Yourself:

The Premium Club gives you pointers on monitoring and protecting your credit. It also helps you assess your credit health and instructs you on what to do if you become a victim.