Growing identity theft problem costing people more than money

Identity theft is a serious problem across the Lakelands and the nation.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were 685,000 reported fraud and identity theft complaints in 2005, totaling more than $680 million in losses.

Credit card fraud was the most common form of reported identity theft. The primary ages of identity theft victims were 18- to 29-year-olds (29 percent) followed by 30- to 39-year-olds (24 percent).

Identity theft is a serious crime and a growing problem that residents should be aware of. Victims typically spend many months and thousands of dollars cleaning up after identity thieves and restoring their good name.

Greenwood Police Department Capt. T.J. Chaudoin recently shared information with the city’s Business Watch group in an effort to help make local residents aware of the dangers of identity theft.

“We haven’t seen a rash of identity theft lately, but it’s one of those crimes that just never goes away,” Chaudoin said. “People need to keep a close eye on material that contains their personal information and check their credit report frequently.”

Chaudoin said it is also important for local residents who suspect they have been the victim of identity theft to contact the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

“It can often be multi-jurisdictional in nature,” Chaudoin said. “You might live in Greenwood, but the person who has stolen your identity might be in California or Oregon or New York or Jamaica.

“If you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you should report it immediately.”

Victims might lose job opportunities, be turned down for important loans for homes, cars or education, and even be arrested for crimes they did not commit. There are some ways to help protect yourself.

Photocopy all of your charge cards, front and back. If you lose your wallet or purse, you will have quick access to the credit card and telephone numbers to notify the appropriate agencies.

Never give out personal information, including your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card, Social Security and PINs (personal identification numbers) over the phone or Internet unless you are certain of whom you are dealing with.

Shred charge receipts, pre-approved credit card applications, bank statements and anything with your personal information on it.

Guard you mail from theft. This includes bank and credit card statements, credit card offers, checks, and tax information. Identity thieves might rummage through your trash or a dumpster in a practice called “dumpster diving.”

They might steal your wallet or purse during the course of a vehicle prowl or auto theft, or steal personal information they find in your home during a burglary.

Identity thieves steal personal information from you through e-mail or phone by posing as a legitimate company or claiming to have a problem with your account.

This practice is known as “phishing” online or “pre-texting” when it is done over the phone.

Depending on the circumstances of the theft, remember the following guidelines:

Immediately place a fraud alert on your credit. Call one of the three consumer credit reporting companies to place the alert. It is only necessary to call one of the companies to place an alert for all three: Equifax 1-800-525-6285 or http://www.equifax.com; Experian 1-888-397-3742 or http://www.experian.com; TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 or http://www.transunion.com.

An initial credit alert will stay on your report for 90 days. This is appropriate in most newly discovered situations of identity theft where you suspect your credit cards might have been stolen or taken by an online “phishing” or telephone “pre-texting” scam.

Next, close any bank accounts that you think might have been tampered with or opened without your permission.

Be sure to follow up in writing with each credit card company and bank. Send copies of all supporting documents (not originals) certified mail, returned receipt requested.

When you open new accounts, create new and unique PIN numbers and passwords.

Avoid using consecutive numbers or personal information like your date of birth or phone number.

The next step is to call the police and file a report. This should be done as soon as possible after you learning that you have been victimized.

Having a police case number can be helpful when dealing with creditors who need proof that a crime has been committed.

Typically you can file a report in any of the jurisdictions where your identity has been used for criminal purposes. Be sure to have all supportive documentation with you when you call.

At this point, it is a good idea to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Typically they can provide important resource information to help you minimize the damage and restore your name.

Accurate and complete records will help you resolve your identity theft case more quickly. It is wise to take the following steps in dealing with a company when you are trying to untangle your identity:

1. Have a plan when you contact a company. Don’t assume that the person you speak with will give you all the information or help you need. Prepare a list of questions to ask the representative. Don’t end the call until you are sure you understand everything.

2. Be sure the write down the names of everyone you talk to, what they say and the date of the conversation.

3. Follow up in writing with all contacts you’ve made on the phone or in person. Use certified mail, return receipt requested.

4. Keep copies of all letters or correspondence you send.

5. Keep all original forms.

6. Hang onto old files even after you believe your case is closed.