ID Theft

Identity theft (also known as identity fraud) happens when someone steals personal information such as your account number or Social Security number and then uses this information illegally, such as applying for loans, or establishing new accounts in your name, or making unauthorized withdrawals from your existing accounts.

Identity thieves have high and low tech ways of stealing your personal information. They can search through your trash or hack into your personal computer. The following are just a few examples of items identity thieves look for:

• your wallet or purse containing ID, credit cards, debit cards
• bank statements or receipts
• mail credit card statements, checks, tax information, pre-approved credit card offers, etc.
• personal information from your home or home computer
• files from offices where you are a customer, employee, patient or student

One of the best investments you can make is to purchase a shredder at a local office supply store and shred all personal documents at home before placing in the trash or in recycling containers.  

To report fraud 

If you need to report fraud, you can click on the links below for more information. You can also click on the Equifax, Experian and TransUnion links for information on reviewing your credit report.  

Equifax    or call 1-800-525-6285

Experian  or call 1-888-397-3742

TransUnion or call 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Number Theft and Misuse

Mail Fraud 

Passport Fraud

Phone Fraud

Identity Theft Affidavit

To report the fraudulent use of your checks:

Check Rite / Global Payments     800-638-4600

SCAN                                                800-262-7771

Chex Systems                                 800-328-5121