Identity Theft Scams Common during Holiday Season

Identity Theft Scams Common during Holiday Season ~ Credit card fraud, "phishing" and other scams often more frequent during peak of holiday shopping ~ COLUMBUS – Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers urged consumers to be cautious during the rush of holiday shopping and avoid becoming an unwitting victim of identity theft. “Financial crimes often increase during the holiday season, said Attorney General Rogers. “The day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and consumers need to be extra vigilant in protecting themselves.” The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In 2007, Ohio had the ninth largest total of identity theft reports filed with the Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, the sole national repository of consumer complaints about identity theft. Topping Ohio’s list were phone/utility fraud and credit card fraud. There generally are two types of identity theft. In the first, identity thieves obtain a person’s credit cards, checks, ATM card, etc., to steal money. In the second, identity thieves use personal information such as a name, bank account number, social security number, driver’s license number, or place of employment to obtain new bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and drivers’ licenses. Crooks can also create fraudulent accounts under the victim’s name for utilities, medical care, employment, housing, travel visas, and the filing of tax returns. Identity thieves can get this type of information by rummaging through trash, stealing mail, stealing handbags or wallets. Also, Internet scams are used such as phishing (the thief initiates contact with you and directs you to a legitimate looking Web site in an attempt to scam you into surrendering your personal information), and skimming (your credit or debit card numbers are covertly captured in a data storage device in the course of your card being processed). The Attorney General also has suggestions for Ohioans to protect themselves against identity theft: Ø Cross shred documents which have personal information on them. Ø Rather than using your own mailbox, use an official USPS mailbox to send bill payments and financial documents. Ø Be aware of who might be looking over your shoulder when making a purchase with a check, debit card, or credit card. Ø When using plastic to pay, swipe it yourself or at least make sure you’ve witnessed the swipe. Don’t let the card out of your sight. Ø Ask a family member or friend to collect your mail when you are away rather than leaving it in your mailbox for extended periods. Ø Keep Personal Identity Numbers (PINs), Social Security cards, birth certificates, and passports at home in a safe place until you use them. Ø Beware of individuals asking you to provide or confirm your personal information on behalf of a bank, retail establishment, or other business. Instead, contact the financial institution or business directly and verify whether the request is legitimate. Ø Limit the amount of personal information you send over the Internet. When making an online purchase, be sure it is with a reputable business using security features including information encryption. Ø Stay current with your credit card, bank and financial statements. If you notice an improper charge, contact the business immediately. Free Credit Reports Attorney General Rogers also noted that consumers are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three national credit reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. It is recommended that you space out your requests to keep track of changes over the course of the year. Fraud Alerts You may consider placing a fraud alert with any of the three national credit reporting agencies. The purpose of a fraud alert is for you to be notified if anybody attempts to open credit in your name. Credit Freeze If your personal information is compromised, you also may consider freezing your credit, which prohibits the credit reporting agencies from releasing any information without your approval. If Your Identity is Stolen Consumers who fall victim to identity theft should contact their credit card companies, banks or businesses directly, and file a report with local police. The police can discuss with you the Attorney General’s Passport program, which provides a wallet-sized card to victims so that they can establish their status as a victim with financial institutions, stores, and law enforcement. Since its inception in December 2004, more than 1,700 Passport cards have been issued to victims of identity theft in Ohio. For further information, please contact: Ohio Attorney General’s Office Identity Theft Unit 150 East Gay Street, 25th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 466-3552 or 1-888-MY-ID-4-ME www.ag.state.oh.us or www.ag4ohio.gov www.ftc.gov www.experian.com / 1-888-397-3742 www.equifax.com / 1-888-766-0008 www.transunion.com / 1-800-680-7289

Date Published: Friday, December 5, 2008