How Does Identity Theft Happen?
Identity thieves obtain other people's personal information in many ways, such as:
- Going through trash or "dumpster diving."
- Stealing mail
- Stealing personnel records from their employers
- Stealing wallets or purses
- Using fake emails to solicit personal information
Tips for Preventing Identity Theft
- Don't give out personal information unless you're sure who you're dealing with.
- Don't use obvious passwords.
- Keep your information secure.
- Protect your Social Security number.
- Safeguard information on your computer.
- Shred financial documents before discarding them.
If You Are a Victim
- Call Florida's Fraud Hotline at 866-9-NO-SCAM and the Federal Trade Commission at 877-ID-THEFT.
- File a police report.
- Review Florida's ID Theft Victim Kit for details on what to do and who to contact.
Free Credit Reports
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site for consumers to request a free credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can request a free report every 12 months.
