Call 4 Action
Detecting, preventing, and recovering from identity theft
MILWAUKEE - You guarded personal information, changed passwords, and kept antivirus software up to date.
Yet, you still fell victim to identity theft.
How does this happen, and what can you do about it? How are these criminals getting this information?
Criminals do not just target you personally to get your information.
They go after your bank, medical facilities, government agencies, and a number of places where you may have been required to provide personal information in order to do business.
Sometimes they hack into databases, but often, they obtain this information directly from what is kept on file at a place that you have done business.
How do you know if your information has been compromised?
Sometimes, you will be notified of a security breach, but you might also find out that there is a problem if you receive unusual bills, have difficulty obtaining credit, or are asked to verify your personal informaition.
What can you do to protect this information when it is no longer in your possession?
Be careful about who you supply this information to.
Ask questions about why they need the information and how they will protect your privacy and personal information.
If the response is vague or unsettling, do not provide your information until you can be assured that it will be properly protected.
Where can people go for more information about identity theft or to get help if they have fallen victim?
Go to ftc.gov or contact our Call 4 Action office to receive a free copy of our ID theft brochure.
This brochure has some great information about ID theft and contains a number of resources and suggestions for helping you to recover from this type of crime.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.