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Designed By:

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP
POLICE DEPARTMENT

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?

Identity theft is when someone else uses your personal identity information (your name, Social Security number, or any other identifying information) to obtain a credit card, loan or any other type of credit or service in your name, when someone else files a bankruptcy case using your name or Social Security number.

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUY IDENTITY THEFT?

• Your credit could be ruined
• You could be arrested for a crime you didn't commit
• You could be denied employment
• You could be denied a place to live
• Your wages could be garnished
• You driver's license could be revoked

• Stealing your wallet or purse
• Finding personal information in your home
• Obtaining personal information from your work
• Randomly using your Social Security number
• Listening to your telephone conversations
• Shoulder surfing
• Dumpster diving
• Stealing your mail
• Fraudulently obtaining your credit report
• Calling or sending mail or e-mail with bogus promises of prizes

HOW DOES AN IDENTITY THEFT USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

• Obtain new credit cards in your name
• Forge checks and debit cards and drain your accounts
• Open new bank accounts in your name
• Obtain loans or mortages in your name
• Receive utilities in you rname
• File bankruptcy in your name
• Commit crimes in your name

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT?

• Do not provide personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless:

       - You placed the call or sent the letter or e-mail, and
       - You know the company is reputable

• If you receive a call claming you won a prize:

       - Do not provide or confirm any personal           information
       - Do not send money
       - Do not provide any credit card information

• Do not post personal information on the internet
• Do not carry your Social Security card with you
• Guard your wallet or purse:
  - Do not hang your purse over the back of a chair
  - Do not carry more credit cards then you need
  - Do not carry your passport or visa
  - Do not carry your passwords or your PINs

• Keep your mail private:
  - Get a locking mailbox or a post office box for delivery of incoming mail
  - Do not leave mail lying around your home
  - Do not allow mail to pile up if you are away
  - Use a U.S. mailbox or the U.S. Post Office for   outgoing mail
  - Have new checks delivered to your bank or to    your post office box, not your home

• Be careful with personal information at home and when traveling:
  - Use a telephone where your conversations   cannot be overheard
  - Make sure no one is looking over your shoulder   at ATMs or pay phones
  - Do not use a cell phone to provide personal   information

• Review your credit card and bank statements each month and report fraudulent activity immediately
  

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR CREDIT CARDS?

• Shield your credit cards from view
• Total your receipts before signing
• Do not leave empty spaces on your receipts where additional amounts can be added
• Never sign blank receipts
• Keep copies of your receipts and compare them with your monthly statements