Identity Theft: One Person's Trash Is Another Thief's Treasure

Take this quick quiz to see whether you're a candidate for identity theft.

Are you awake or sleeping?
A. Yes    B. No

If you answered either "A" or "B," you're in an ideal position to have your personal identity stolen. Identity thieves don't sneak into your home in the dark of night and scrape your identity from the drool on your pillow. They don't rely on high-tech tactics or only target your wealthy neighbors. Identity thieves – like most crooks – aren't nearly that ambitious.

They do things like learn your dog's name because it's a common password choice. They make your name their own after finding your bank statement in the trash. They open accounts in your name and spend until they have robbed you of your future buying power.

Most the time, identity thieves drag your name through the mud before you realize it was raining. By the time you report your losses, the crooks are long gone. They commit crimes simultaneously in multiple jurisdictions, making it difficult for authorities to make a case against them.

The good news? If your identity has been stolen, you're not alone. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one out of every six Americans was a victim of identity theft in 2008. And the numbers are only going to increase. Armed with your bank account numbers, driver's license and other personal information (obtained by sifting through trash or sneaking a peek over your shoulder at the ATM), scam artists ruin your credit rating while spending your money.

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How can you protect yourself? It's not easy when thieves aren't above digging through your trash.

Meanwhile, copy your cards. Consumers are warned to cancel their credit cards immediately after a theft, but how are you supposed to do that if your cards with the toll-free numbers on the back were ripped off? Make photocopies of everything in your wallet (don't bother copying the cash, if you're carrying any). But copy the front and back of your driver's license, credit cards, calling cards and so on. That way when you're robbed, you'll have quick access to the numbers you need to report the theft to creditors and cancel your accounts. Assuming that you keep the photocopy in a safe place.

More Resources

• Print this Fraud and Identity Theft Resolution Checklist (PDF, 121K) to get started recovering your identity should it be stolen.
• Find out how you can protect your identitiy with our new Identity Theft Protection membership benefit.
• Consider attending a free, educational Identity Theft workshop in your area. Search for a workshop in your area.

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