Identity Theft and Scams

What is a scam?

A scam is a dishonest scheme or fraud. There are many types of scams. Scammers may try to trick you into giving your personal information or giving them money for a service but not actually providing that service. Here are some common scams:

• Pretending to be from a legitimate company or charity and asking for your personal information or money.
• Offering you an opportunity to purchase something, invest, or apply for a job.
• Offering you a free trial, grant, or prize.
• Threatening you with jail or a lawsuit unless you pay a fee or fine.
• Sending you a check you weren't expecting or a check for more than you were expecting.
  

How can I protect myself from scams?

You can protect yourself from most scams.

• Independently research any charity, company, or opportunity you are offered.
• If you received an email with a link or a phone call. Go to the website directly yourself instead of clicking on the link or call the company yourself before providing any personal information.
• Don't give into pressure to take immediate action. 
• Don't send money if a caller tells you to wire money or only accepts prepaid debit cards or gift cards.
• Don't wire money to people or companies you don't know.
• Don't accept a check that includes an overpayment.
• Don't pay anything or provide a bank account or credit/debit card number to receive a prize.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without your permission and is a crime. Your information could be used to obtain credit cards, loans, housing, insurance, or other services. A person could give your name instead of theirs when being accused of a crime. If someone obtains credit in your name and then doesn't pay it, it will hurt your credit. If they provide your name when being arrested, you could end up being arrested or having a criminal record and have to prove your innocence. 

How does identity theft happen?

A thief can get your personal information in person or online. They may:

• Steal your mail, trash, wallet, or purse to get your account numbers or your Social Security number
• Trick you into giving them your personal information by pretending to represent a legitimate company
• Steal your information or account numbers from a business

How will I know if my identity has been stolen?

Sometimes you can tell if your identity has been stolen.

• Check your credit report. You have the right to obtain your credit report for free each year. If you see any accounts or inquiries that you are unfamiliar with, call the company that opened the account or submitted the inquiry.
• Check your account statements. Are there purchases you did not make? If so, call your account holder and let them know.
• Check your mail and email. Did you stop receiving a bill you normally receive or start getting a new bill you did not expect? If so, call the company and ask about it. If you get a notification saying the personal information on your account was changed but you did not make a change, contact your company to find out what was changed.

Can I prevent my identity from being stolen?

You can lower your risk.

• Be mindful who you share your personal information with. The IRS or Social Security Administration will never call you and ask for your personal information. If a company does call you or emails, verify they are a legitimate representative of their company or call them back on a number from your account statement or card.
• Shred documents that have account numbers or your Social Security Number. 
• When shopping online, ensure that the site is secure and don't put your personal information on a shared computer like the library.
• When creating online accounts, use strong passwords and don't share your passwords.

What should I do if I think my identity has been stolen?

• Place a fraud alert on your credit. You can contact any credit bureau and place a fraud alert which will require creditors to contact you using the number you provide with fraud alert before approving an application.
• Contact the company of any account that you did not open or any account with purchases you did not make and let them know you believe the account or charge to be fraudulent. They will let you know what your next steps are.
• Dispute any incorrect information on your credit report with the credit bureaus.
• File a report with the FTC and your local police department.

Resources

FTC Information on Identity Theft

Common Scams