HOW IDENTITY THEFT OCCURS

Learn how identity theft occurs at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm 

1. Stolen Wallet with driver license, social security card and etc.
2. Stolen Mail, using a change of address form or mailbox theft. Call U.S. Postal Service at  1-800-275-8777 to report theft and have mail held at local office.
3. Rummage threw your trash to personal information. Never throw bank statement, documentation with personal information into any trash can. Rip it up or sheds it.
4. Receive a copy of your credit report, posing as landlord, employer. There are many companies offer credit monitoring or request for single copy.
5. Share information available to public. 
6. Job applications.
7. Telemarketer calling insisting on personal information to receive prizes. Never give personal infomation if you do not know the source.
8. Visa Cardholder Tips at Visa.com

What they can do with your stolen Identity

1. Open a bank account write bad checks
2. Lease or buy a car with your name
3. Used your ID at time of arrest.
4. Open new credit card, department store, gas and etc Cards
5. Withdraw all the cash from your bank accounts
6. Remember this is all happening under your good name. One easy why to avoid any headache is monitor your credit report, bills, and guard all personal information as it is your baby.
7. Experian [1 of 3 Credit Bureaus] to put your account on security alert for 90 days, requiring additional identification before granting credit. Call Experian at 1-800-311-4769 to add a security alert list.

How to Report Identity theft

1. File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case your bank, credit card company or insurance company need proof of the crime.
    
2. If you social security number was fraudulently used? Toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TDD: 202-326-2502. Or cantact Social Security Administration at 800-269-0271 to change SS number.
    
3. Contact credit card company, banks and other investment institution about theft, and have account evaluate for any tampering.
    
4. Contact credit agencies.
    
5. Call your utilities, including your phone company. Tell them that someone may try to get new service using your identification.
    
6. If you've been a victim of identity theft, file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline by telephone: 
   toll-free 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338); 
   TDD: 202-326-2502; 
   by mail: 
   Identity Theft Clearinghouse, 
   Federal Trade Commission, 
   600 Pennsylvania Avenue, 
   NW, Washington, DC 20580; 
   
   or online: www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Identity Fraud Articles

1. Tony Gwynn victim of identity fraud http://www.bbb.org/alerts/gwynn.asp 
2.