Stop Identity Thieves Before They Strike
Every day seems to bring another news story about a stolen car, a bank robbery or a murder. These crimes garner significant attention because they are scary and tangible. However, combined they do not affect as many people as identity theft. According to FBI statistics, there were a combined 815,919 occurrences of car theft, bank robberies and murder during 2009. Identity theft affects more than eight million Americans annually.
Even more worrisome than the prevalence of identity theft, it is also the nation's fastest-growing crime. Perpetrators do not present a physical presence or physical weapons. However, they wreak a physical disaster on finances and on emotions. Many times identity theft victims do not know they are victimized for a lengthy period.
The more than eight million Americans that are annual victims individually spend countless hours and hundreds of dollars to clear their name. Within Wisconsin's borders, 2,777 people filed complaints of identity theft during 2009, the most recent year statistics are available. Those are staggering numbers, considering identity theft was relatively uncommon until recently.
Individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft. The Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection both offer suggestions to safeguard against identity theft and provide a process for identify theft victims.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft is to limit access to personal identifying information by shredding or burning bank and credit card statements and other documents containing identifying information. Other important security measures are to be very careful about the types of personal information you provide over the Internet, and to monitor bank and credit card statements for unusual charges or payments you did not authorize.
Another step to take is to sign up for the state's Do Not Call List. Some identity thieves use phone scams to collect personal information to commit the crime. However, I caution against listing your cell phone number on the Do Not Call List. It is a process for unscrupulous actors to obtain your cell phone number. Yet another option is to stop pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPTOUT. The toll-free call may stop crooks from getting their hands on an easy chance to steal your identity.
Regardless of the caution you exercise with personal information, it is still possible to become a victim of identity theft. If that happens, the Office of Privacy Protection recommends several steps to end the crime as soon as possible.
First, call each of the three national credit reporting agencies to report your identity stolen. The agencies will place a fraud alert on your credit report for 90 days, informing creditors that your identity is stolen and stop attempts to open new credit cards or lines of credit under false pretenses. The three national credit reporting agencies, Equifax (888-766-0008), Experian (888-397-3742), and TransUnion (800-680-7289) may be reached via toll-free numbers.
While the thief may not have committed a theft in the traditional breaking and entering fashion, it is important to file a police report. Local police departments are required to fill out a police report for cases of identity theft, including thefts that occurred outside of the community of police jurisdiction. Individuals are entitled to a copy of the police report, and it may be useful in placing a permanent credit freeze on your credit report. The freeze must be requested in writing to each of the three credit agencies. In addition, it is recommended to contact your bank and other creditors, close compromised accounts, and open new accounts.
While identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America, there are preventative measures. Knowing the process to protect yourself is the first step. This information and more is at the Office of Privacy Protection website, www.privacy.wi.gov, or the Wisconsin Department of Justice website, www.doj.state.wi.us.