IDENTITY THEFT

These thieves get their information from businesses or institutions by stealing records from their employer; bribing an employee who has access to records; conning information out of employees; hacking into the organization’s computers. They search through your trash or business trashes and dumpster dive. They obtain credit reports by abusing their employer’s authorized access to credit reports or by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legitimate need for and legal right to information. They steal credit and debit card information as the card is being processed by using a special information storage device that is known for its practice of skimming. They steal wallets containing IDs and cards. They steal mail, which includes statements for credit cards or banks, checks, or other information. They complete a “change of address form” to divert your mail. They steal personal information from your home. They scam information from you by posing as legitimate business person or government official.