The security of your personal information is important to all of us. Identity theft is a problem that continues to grow. Each year the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) receives hundreds of thousands of identity theft reports, from all age groups and from all 50 States.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information (for example: your name, address and social security number) to open credit card accounts, loans, etc., in your name without your permission.
How do identity thieves collect my personal information?
- Thieves collect your personal information in many ways. Here are a few:
- Stealing incoming or outgoing mail
- Finding old bills or statements while rummaging through trash
- Stealing computing equipment (laptops, personal computers, mobile devices, etc.) containing consumer information
- Contacting you directly through social engineering or through e-mail (phishing)
Where can I learn more about identity theft?
The following links provide you with more information about identity theft, how it occurs, and simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft: When you select one of these links you will be leaving our site and going to a Web site that we neither own nor operate. Nationwide does not monitor, endorse or accept responsibility for the information on the Web site.
- U.S. Department of Justice’s identity theft and identity fraud Web site
- Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft Web site
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- U.S. Secret Service
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
- Don't Be An Online Victim
- Privacy Rights Clearing House
- National Consumers League
- Better Business Bureau
What about my credit rating?
The following three main Credit Reporting Bureaus offer products and services designed to help you manage your credit rating as well as your risk of identity theft.
- Experian (formerly TRW)
- Trans Union
Remember the FACT Act amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act entitle you to one free credit report in a 12 month period. You can learn more about this by visiting http://www.annualcreditreport.com.