Identity theft (ID theft) occurs when someone assumes another person's personal identifying information (e.g. a name, social security number or date of birth) with the intent of committing fraud. Identity theft is often characterized as the largest growing crime in America. Experts estimate it takes fourteen months for an average victim to discover an identity theft and approximately two years to correct credit information.

Your identity can be stolen in a variety of ways:

• Loss or theft of your wallet, purse, or credit card
• Mail theft
• Skimming information from the magnetic strip on credit or debit cards
• "Dumpster diving" through the trash
• "Shoulder surfing" - looking over your shoulder when you are entering a PIN or password
• Eavesdropping
• Scam phone calls where a stranger asks for personal or financial information
• Phishing and spyware
• Computer hacking

• Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
• Don't have your Social Security number or driver's license number printed on your checks.
• Beware of giving information to anyone over the telephone or the Internet unless you initiate the communication.
• Shred any documents with account numbers or other personal data you are throwing out, preferably with a cross-cut shredder.
• Watch for regular monthly bills that aren't delivered. Stolen mail is one way to obtain sensitive information.
• Don't leave mail for pickup at an unlocked mailbox.
• Check your credit report at least once a year to identify accounts that may have been opened in your name without your knowledge. You can get a copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com every twelve months.
• Monitor your online financial accounts frequently.
• Sign your new debit and credit cards promptly.
• Do not keep PIN numbers attached to credit, debit or ATM cards.
• If you are a member of a military service unit who is on active duty, consider placing an active duty alert on your credit report.