Cyber Security Tip ST05-019 Preventing and Responding to
Identity Theft Identity theft, or identity fraud, is a crime
that can have substantial financial and emotional consequences.
Take precautions with personal information; and if you become a
victim, act immediately to minimize the damage. Is identity
theft just a problem for people who submit information online?
You can be a victim of identity theft even if you never use a
computer. Malicious people may be able to obtain personal
information (such as credit card numbers, phone numbers, account
numbers, and addresses) by stealing your wallet, overhearing a
phone conversation, rummaging through your trash (a practice
known as dumpster diving), or picking up a receipt at a
restaurant that has your account number on it. If a thief has
enough information, he or she may be able to impersonate you to
purchase items, open new accounts, or apply for loans. The
Internet has made it easier for thieves to obtain personal and
financial data. Most companies and other i