IDENTITY THEFTXX
If you don't understand a word, check it out in the glossary.x
The
crime known as "identity theft" occurs when someone who is not
authorized, uses your personal information to apply for credit in your
name. These 'criminals' use your name, your birthday,your social security
number to run up huge bills. By the time you find out about it your credit
is ruined. Legally, your are not responsible for these bills, but it may
take a very long time and a lot of money to correct the problem.
First, you should try to prevent this from happening. Most fraud using stolen identities occurs when someone 'finds' your personal information. Either from a lost wallet, your wallet or other discarded items with that information on it. They may also get this information by 'tricking' you into giving it to them over the phone. NEVER discard anything that has your personal information on it in readable form. (Shred it if you can.) NEVER give out your personal information to someone who calls you, unless it if for a business transaction that you have started and with a business you trust.
Second, get a copy of your credit report regularly (at least once a year). If you find something suspicious on it contact the fraud bureau of the credit reporting company that sent you the report. Contact the company(ies) that reported the suspicious information to the credit reporting company.
For more detailed information on what you can do contact:
Consumer Action, www.consumer-action.org
Identity Theft Survival Kit, www.identitytheft.org
Federal Trade Commission: "Id Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name', www.ftc.org
U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), www.pirg.com
Other Resources: FannieMae.org, FreddieMac.org, FDIC.org. All of these websites have important information about your money and what you need to do to own a home. If you live in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties you may come in (call for an appointment!) to use our public computers and explore these websites. We also have a library of information that may be useful to you.
Go to the Important Resources page for a list of other agencies that may be able to help you.