Identity Theft

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Skilled identity thieves use many methods to access personal information. At your place of employment or other businesses or institutions, they may:

• Steal your records or information while they're on the job.
• Bribe or con an employee who has access to these records.
• Hack your information from a computer or online source.
• Get your credit reports by abusing their employers' authorized access or by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who has a legal right to check your report.
• Steal your credit or debit card numbers by capturing the information in a data storage device. This practice is known as "skimming." It may happen when your card is being swiped for an actual purchase or when you use an ATM machine where a device has been attached.