How can someone steal your Identity?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses
your personal information such as your name, Social Security
number, credit card number or other identifying information,
without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
How Identity Thieves get
your personal information:
They steal wallets and purses containing
your identification and credit and bankcards.
They steal your mail, including your bank
and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone
calling cards and tax information.
They complete a "change of address
form" to divert your mail to another location.
They rummage through your trash, or the
trash of businesses, for personal data.
How Identity Thieves use your Personal Information
They establish phone or wireless service in your name.
They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks
on that account.
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They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying
debts they've incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.
They counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your
bank account.
They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.
Minimize your Risk
Don’t carry your SSN card;
leave it in a secure place.
Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of
identifiers when possible.
Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary.
Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.
Carry only the identification information
and the number of credit and debit cards that you’ll
actually need.
Pay attention to your billing cycles.
Follow up with creditors if your bills don’t arrive
on time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity
thief has taken over your account and changed your billing
address to cover his tracks
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If You Become a Victim
Report crime to police.
If checks are involved, close account
immediately and have a new
account number issued.
Fill out an Affidavit of Forgery with bank.
If credit cards are stolen, contact all
card companies, and have the old accounts processed as Account
closed at customer request.
Call the three credit reporting companies
and have your account flagged and add a Victims Statement
to your report.
Credit Reporting
Bureaus
Equifax (800) 685-1111
Experian (888) 397-3742
Trans Union (800) 916-8800
Social Security
(800) 269-0271
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Village of Bradley Police
Department
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147 S. Michigan Ave.
Bradley, IL 60915
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Phone: 815-933-3315
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