Identity Theft

Identity Theft:

The Nation's Fastest Growing Crime

Is it you applying for that loan or someone posing as you? Identity thieves obtain key pieces of personal information ... driver's license number or mother's maiden name ... and they become you, stealing your credit and your financial security. The Federal Trade Commission says identity theft is the fastest growing crime today with more than 700,000 victims in 2000. Crime statistics estimate losses to be in the billions, with the crime growing at a rate of 30% to 40% a year.

How Your Identity Is Stolen

Stealing wallets to obtain credit card numbers is almost old-fashioned for today's sophisticated identity thieves. They now...

pose as an employer, loan officer or landlord and order your credit report.
use spy equipment or simply “shouder surf" to capture your PIN number at an ATM.
steal or hack into company records.
steal mail from mail boxes.
check the trash for unshredded credit card bills, bank statements, pre-approved credit offers, health insurance forms or tax information.

How to Reduce Your Risk

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) (www.idtheftcenter.org) offers these tips to lessen your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft:

Completely destroy papers you don't need by shredding. This includes bills or records that may have critical information.
Limit the number of cards you carry, and do not carry your Social Security card; only provide your number when necessary.
Make a photocopy of the contents of your wallet ... both sides of your credit cards, license, etc. and keep the photocopies in a safe place.
Check your credit report each year. Investigate any account you did not apply for directly.
Don't let a salesperson walk away with your credit card. Don't throw your receipt away at the counter or ATM booth.

U.S. government's central website for information about identity theft : http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Washington State Employees Credit Union for information about identity theft : http://www.wastatecu.org/x495.xml