Identity Theft & Fraud: Non-Electronic Fraud

While the usage of online channels such as e-mail and websites to perpetuate identity theft and fraud is significantly increasing, don't be misled into thinking that if you don't use the Internet that you can't be a victim. "Old fashioned" methods of obtaining your personal information are still used every day.

All it takes is a few pieces of information for someone to steal your identity. Thieves can obtain this information by physically stealing it from you - from your wallet, trash, or mail - or by enticing you to give that information to them under false pretenses.

Some of the most common methods used to steal your information - and how to prevent it - are:

"Dumpster Diving" - thieves dig through your trash to find anything from old bank statements, discarded credit card offers, credit card receipts, etc. From personal information that consumers discard, thieves can gather enough information to open credit accounts or produce fake IDs in your name. By knowing your billing account numbers and a few other pieces of information, thieves can contact your creditors, utility providers, and other businesses claiming to be you and get them to provide even more of your information. To protect yourself, shred ALL mail, receipts, and anything else that contains any personally-identifying information before discarding it.

Mail theft - thieves can steal your mail, hoping to find credit card statements, bank statements, new checks, tax information, bills that contain personal information, pre-approved credit offers, etc. Thieves can steal your mail right from your mailbox, or by submitting a change of address form with the post office. To protect yourself, sign up for electronic delivery of as many bills, bank statements, and credit card statements as possible. These are typically stored online in an encrypted website that is safer than postal mail. Don't leave your mail in the mailbox longer than necessary - always try to pick it up before dark. If you are expecting a bill or statement that has not arrived, investigate right away - don't assume that it was "lost in the mail."

Stealing your purse/wallet - this tried and true method of theft is still around, but these days it's not the cash in your wallet thieves are looking for - it's your identity. With your name, your birthdate, and your social security number, thieves can do a lot of damage to your bank account or credit report in a very short period of time. If your wallet is stolen, immediately contact your bank, creditors, department of transportation, social security adminsitration, and anyone else that can be tied to information that was in your wallet. Also minimize the amount of information you carry with you. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or any other ID card that uses your Social Security number. Don't carry more than one or two credit cards with you at a time. Never write your PIN for your debit or credit cards on anything, and choose PINs that have no significance and would be difficult to guess.

"Pretexting" (telephone fraud) - pretexting is the telephone equivalent of e-mail phishing. You receive a phone call from someone who sounds legitimate - they claim to be a representative of your bank, an organization you belong to, a charity, or a company you do business with. They trick you into providing payment for something, or providing personal information A common example of this scam is to receive a call from what you think is your bank, they claim that your account has been compromised, then they ask you to prove you are who you say you are by providing personal information, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc. To protect yourself - NEVER provide personal information or make payments over the phone when someone calls you. Instead, tell the creditor/bank/charity that you will call them back. Do not allow the caller to provide you with the telephone number - instead, look it up yourself to ensure you are calling who you think you are.

Mail fraud - be wary of contests, promotions, financial offers, and charitable requests that you receive in the mail. Make sure that you are responding to the organization or company that you think you are. Follow up with a phone call (don't use the phone number mailed to you, look it up yourself) to verify the offer or request is legitimate.