 |
Identity Theft (def.) "When another individual uses your personal information without permission to open fraudulent credit card accounts, access already established credit accounts, secure loans and even obtain employment."
Identity Theft has quickly become the fastest means of fraudulent behavior in our modern Internet connected society. A Gartner study showed that 5.2 percent of online shoppers have been victimized by credit card fraud and 1.9 percent by identity theft. Identity Theft, however, is not isolated to the Internet. According to the Texas Attorney General, this type of theft occurs close to home, "Criminals go through trash cans, spy on you at ATM machines or telephone booths, access public records and even steal your mail. Identity theft can happen to anyone."
To learn more about Identity Theft, access the resources below. Be sure and contact Hart & Associates with any questions about securing your personal or business information from Identity Theft:
- Identity Theft
- Identity Theft (Spanish)
- Protecting Your Personal Information
The above documents require the use of the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Select the button to the left to download a copy if not already installed.
A criminal may pose as an employer, loan officer or landlord to request a copy of your credit report in an effort to access personal information. Order a copy of your credit report at least once a year from each of the three credit bureaus to check for inaccuracies or fradulant use of accounts.
- CSC Credit Services | (800) 759-5979
- Experian | (800) 682-7654
- Trans Union | (800) 888-4213