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ID Theft Traps
As society and technology evolve, so does crime. Although identity theft has been around as long as there have been identities to steal, the amount of information available today, makes identity theft more prevalent than ever before. Identity theft thieves use the following techniques to steal your personal information:
Rummaging through Trash
Probably the most unglamorous technique identity thieves use to steal personal information is dumpster diving. Many people are unaware that disposing of documents containing personal information is dangerous. Credit card statements, DMV notices, bank statements and insurance paperwork all contain personal information that an identity thief can use to commit fraud and/or other crimes in your name. As such, documents that contain personal information should be shredded before being thrown in the trash. Large dumpsters used in office buildings and personal trash cans that are left on the street are prime targets for a dumpster diving ID thief.
Skimming
Skimming involves the stealing of debit/credit card numbers when the card is processed. It typically requires a special device and often occurs at gas stations and third party ATM machines. The device itself would likely be installed by maintenance personnel that are in on the scam. It is left in place for a period of days, storing transaction data, and is later collected by the thief. Skimming may also occur at a restaurant, or anywhere that other people have access to your credit card without your supervision.
Phishing
Email spam is a constant annoyance and is usually deleted immediately, no harm done, but some emails are not immediately recognizable as spam. Oftentimes, identity thieves send emails or pop-up messages in the guise of a financial institution or other company in an attempt to deceive you into divulging personal information. Sometimes, these emails look perfectly legitimate, but if sent from an email address that appears odd, the content is confusing, or if it’s from a company you don’t have a relationship with, do not reply to it or click on any links in it, and notify the actual company of the email or pop-up.
Conning
Identity thieves may also use false pretenses to get someone to reveal personal information. They may call you while pretending to be a financial institution that needs your personal information for one reason or another. They may also pose as a "good Samaritan" that offers to call your credit card company after your wallet has been stolen but actually connects you to their accomplice who takes down all your information. Never leave your wallet, purse, cell phone, or jacket containing any personal information in it unattended and never trust a stranger to help you contact your credit card company or bank.
Old-Fashioned Stealing
Always keep your personal belongings with you at all times, especially in crowded places. Also, make sure your mail is secure. Identity thieves will take any opportunity to literally steal your identity, be it in a purse, wallet, jacket, briefcase, mail, or other documents or possessions.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
Knowing how to avoid identity theft scams unfortunately does not necessarily protect you from all identity theft crimes. If you have been the victim of identity theft and are struggling with uncooperative creditors or debt collectors who are unlawfully pursuing you for fraudulent debts, contacting a California ID theft lawyer can help. Call attorney Howard D. Silver today to learn more about your rights at (866) 495-3666.