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A Generalist’s Overview: Identity Theft

Identity theft is a two-step process. First, someone steals your personal information. Next, they use that information to impersonate you and commit fraud. Your defenses must work on both levels.

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Known Whereabouts & Accomplices

• Most identity theft occurs the old-fashioned way. Thieves rifle through trash, steal mail, or trick you into revealing sensitive details.
• With phishing and pharming, thieves use fake emails and Web sites to impersonate legitimate organizations.
• Hackers and viruses can infiltrate your computer to steal data or capture account names and passwords as you type them.

Protect Yourself: Safeguard, Monitor, and Respond

• Don’t give out your social security number over the phone. Shred paperwork containing account information or personal identifiers. Keep important documents locked up.
• Store sensitive information in password-protected files and directories. Learn to spot fraudulent emails, Web sites, and other red flags associated with phishing and pharming. Use only secure, authenticated Web sites to transact business online.
• Install a personal firewall, antivirus program, and antispam protection. Or get them all with Norton Internet Security.
• Regularly check your credit report and monitor financial accounts for unusual activity. If you see anything strange, like a new credit line you didn’t open, follow up immediately.
• If someone has stolen your identity, respond immediately. Close compromised accounts, cancel driver’s license you may have lost. Put a fraud alert on your credit report and report the crime to authorities.