Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally
identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or
credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or
other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their
identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may
have experienced some form of identity theft.
The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment,
obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your
name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your
credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you
didn't make-or until you're contacted by a debt collector.
Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can
resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars
and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit
record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose
out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing
or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In
rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not
commit.
In an effort to educate our customers on these concerns, we have
posted some helpful information.