Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information (e.g. credit card number or social security number) and uses it fraudulently.

Did you Know…

• Most stolen cards are used within 48 hours, so it is important to report a missing card immediately.
• If someone steals your ATM card and uses it, you could be responsible for up to $500. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) states the amount you're responsible for depends on when you report the loss.
• Over 10 million people become identity theft victims in the US each year.
• Someone has their identity stolen every 4 seconds in the United States.
• 60% of victims don't find out about the identity theft until 3 or more months after it occurs.
• Victims spend anywhere from 6 months to two years recovering from identity theft.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

• Go through your trash or “dumpster dive”
• Steal your wallet or purse
• Steal your mail or submit a change of address form for your mail
• Use “phishing” or fake emails to get you to provide personal information
• Steal personnel records from employers

What Do Thieves do with Your Personal Information?

• Take out loans in your name
• Charge expenses to existing account
• Open new credit card accounts
• Access your bank accounts
• Get a job
• Ruin your good credit