Identity Theft Information

Identity theft has become an increasingly prevalent threat in our digital age. Criminals constantly seek ways to steal personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, and passwords, to commit fraud in unsuspecting victims' names. Understanding the risks, recognizing warning signs, and implementing preventative measures are crucial. 

Identity theft occurs when a perpetrator gains access to someone's sensitive information and assumes their identity for malicious purposes. Once armed with personal details, the thief can open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or engage in various criminal acts, leaving the victim to deal with the devastating aftermath.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Internet Safety: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid sharing sensitive information through email or text messages, as these channels may not be secure.

Social Media: Be Cautious with Social Media: Limit the personal information you share on social media platforms. Cybercriminals can piece together details from your posts to construct a profile for potential identity theft.

Shred Sensitive Documents: Dispose of financial statements, credit card offers, and other sensitive documents by shredding them before discarding them. Dumpster diving remains a common method for thieves to collect personal data.

Keep Track of Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial statements, credit reports, and online accounts for suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies immediately to the respective institutions.

Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions or accessing personal accounts on public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, use secure and password-protected networks.

Suspicious Phone Calls: If someone claiming to be from a financial institution or government agency contacts you, do not provide personal information immediately. The police will not call you if you have a warrant. Hang up and verify their identity by calling the official phone number from the institution's website.

What To Do As a Victim

If you find yourself as the unfortunate victim of identity theft, acting promptly and following the right steps can help minimize the damage and restore your financial security. Here's what you should do if you suspect or confirm that you are a victim of identity theft:

File a Report: Report the identity theft to the Davidson Police Department. We will file an official report. Please remember that these crimes are difficult to solve due to the criminal's ability to cover their tracks. 

Notify Financial Institutions: Contact your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions where you hold accounts. Dispute any unauthorized charges or accounts with your financial institution.

Contact Credit Bureaus: Reach out to the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This alert informs potential lenders to verify your identity before extending credit in your name. If the identity theft is severe, you may opt for a credit freeze, restricting access to your credit report. A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name until you lift the freeze.

Update Passwords and PINs: Change all passwords and PINs associated with your accounts, email, and financial institutions. Ensure that you use strong, unique passwords for each account.

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and credit reports for suspicious activity. 

File an Identity Theft Report: Submit a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their official website (https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/) or hotline (1-877-438-4338). The FTC collects information on identity theft cases to help law enforcement agencies track and investigate such crimes.

Keep Records: Document all your communications, transactions, and actions you have taken to resolve identity theft. Maintain a record of the dates, times, and names of the people you spoke with during the process.

Time is of the essence when dealing with identity theft. Act swiftly to protect your finances and personal information. The road to recovery may be challenging, but with determination and adherence to the recommended steps, you can overcome the adversity caused by identity theft and regain control of your financial well-being. We hope that you will follow the prevention tips above so that you will not become a victim of identity theft.