What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

How Does it Occur?
Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. For identity thieves, this information is as good as gold. Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:

1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
3. Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
4. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
5. Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
6. Pretexting.  They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources. For more information about pretexting, click here.

Ways to Prevent Identity Theft:
Although no one is completely immune, you can take action to avoid having your identity stolen. The following are a few suggestions on how to best protect your name and your credit:

• Carefully guard your personal information and be selective about with whom you share it. Personal information includes things such as your name, address, phone number, driver's license number, social security number, credit card numbers, birth date, and mother's maiden name.
• Carry as few credit cards and forms of ID as possible. Typically, there's no reason to carry your social security card in your wallet.
• Keep a list or photocopies of all information you carry in your wallet or purse. Store this information in a secure location.
• Shred documents that contain your personal information and account numbers before you throw them away. This includes unsolicited credit card applications.
• Don't print your driver's license or social security number on your checks.
• Examine your credit report from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies at least once a year.
• Never give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know who you're dealing with.
• Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having service work done in your home.
• Be wary of promotional scams. Identity thieves may use phony offers to get you to give them your personal information.

What to do if You Are a Victim of Identity Theft
If you suspect that your personal information has been used to commit fraud or theft, take the following steps right away:

• Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus below and tell them you have been a victim or possible a victim of identity theft. Ask them to place a "fraud alert" in your file, as well as a "victim statement".
• Contact Lacamas Community Credit Union and any other financial institutions you use, and your creditors to protect your accounts and close them if necessary.
• File a report with your local police department.

Law Enforcement and Government Resources
Internet Crime Complaint Center
FTC Identity Theft Resource Center
FBI
Secret Service
Department of Treasury - OFAC
Vancouver Police Department
Camas Police Department
Washougal Police Department
Clark County Sheriff
Washington State Attorney General
Better Business Bureau

Recent Fraud Alerts
(8/24/07) IRS Warns Taxpayers of New E-mail Scams
International Lottery Scams
Phishing Information