Identity theft occurs when someone takes your personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.

• Name
• Social Security Number
• Credit Card Number
• Driver’s License Number
• Mother’s Maiden Name
• Date of Birth

• Steal wallets and purses.
• Steal mail.
• Complete a "change of address form."
• Rummage through trash.
• Obtain your credit report.
• Go through your personal records at work.
• Find personal information in your home.
• Use personal information you share on the internet.
• Buy your information.

• They change the mailing address on your account(s). Then run up the charges. Because your bills are being sent to a new address, it may take some time to realize there’s a problem.

• They open a new credit card account using your information. They use the credit card and don’t pay the bills; the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.

• Establish phone or wireless service.

• Open a bank account(s).

• Take out loans in your name.

• File for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they’ve incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.

• Counterfeit checks and drain your bank account.

Twelve Ways to Minimize Your Risks</p>

1. Before you reveal, ask: "How will it be used?" "Will it be shared?" "Can I choose to keep it confidential?" 
"Do I have to share it?"
2. Pay attention to billing cycles.
3. Guard mail from theft.
4. Put passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts.
5. Minimize what you carry.
6. Do not give out personal information unless you initiated the contact.
7. Keep items with personal information in a safe place.
8. Be cautious.
9. Who has access to your information at work and your doctor’s offices?
10. Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary.
11. Don’t carry your social security card.
12. Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major agencies, once each year and check each report.

Your credit report contains information on where you work and live, your past addresses, credit accounts opened in your name, how you pay your bills and whether you have been sued, arrested or filed for bankruptcy.

Your information may be used to process your order, create a customer profile so they may inform you about other products of possible interest, services, or promotions.

OR

They may share your information.

1. Credit Bureaus:

• Pre-approved credit -

You may opt out of pre-approved credit offers by calling: -888-567-8688.

• Marketing Lists -

Only experience allows you to opt out from Marketing and Promotional lists by calling: 1-800-407-1088

2. Department of Motor Vehicles Marketing and Promotional Offers -

In Florida you may opt out by completing a special form.

3. Direct Marketers - You may opt out through:

• National Direct Mail Lists:

DMA Mail Preference Service
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY  11735-9008

• National Direct E-mail Lists:

WWW.E-MPS.ORG

• National Telephone Marketers:

DMA Telephone Preference Services
PO Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014

IF you suspect your personal information has been taken to commit a crime, take action IMMEDIATELY and KEEP A RECORD of your conversations and correspondence.

1. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus:

• Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file.
• Order copies of your credit reports.

Equifax - 1-800-685-1111
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

2. Contact the creditors of any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

• Speak with the security or fraud department.
• Immediately close accounts that have been tampered with.

3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community the theft took place. Get a copy of the police report.

1. Contacting U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
2. Adding PASSWORDS to your existing and new accounts.
3. Placing stop payments on checks.
4. Contacting the SEC.
5. Contacting the various utilities in your area.
6. Contacting your employer.
7. Contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles (D.M.V.)
8. Contacting the U.S. Trustee regarding bankruptcies.
9. Contacting state and local law enforcement regarding the creation of criminal records under your name.
10. Contacting the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Computer Crime and Identity Theft Unit: 407-245-0893

The growth of the internet creates identity fraud risks. To avoid becoming a victim:

• Only do business with companies you are familiar with.
• Only conduct business when you have initiated it.
• Only conduct business on a SECURE phone line.
• Inquire how your information will be used.
• Visit the Secure Florida web site for additional Internet tips.

You still have rights; you DO NOT have to give out all the information asked for.

• Financial crimes generally involve identity fraud.
• 94% of all financial crime-arrests involved identity theft.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit has Crime Prevention Specialists available to conduct a variety of training and educational programs.