Sharing Personal Information

"The woman had access to my driver's license, Social Security number and my mother's maiden name," Katie says. "She used this information to apply for credit in my name."

Over the course of a year, the woman posing as Katie applied for multiple store credit cards and purchased computers, cell phones and stereo equipment. She racked up thousands of dollars in debt - all in Katie's name.

Damaging Credit Profile

Katie was unaware of the severe damage done to her credit until she received a phone call from a credit card company wanting to verify her information.

"I said I didn't apply for a credit card, and the operator said I should put a fraud alert on my credit report," Katie says. Initially, Katie put a 90-day fraud alert on her credit report, which requires companies to verify a person's information before issuing credit. This alert prompted a second credit card company to contact Katie when another credit card application was submitted in her name.

"I got concerned, so I ordered my credit report from the three credit bureaus," Katie says. "I found five or six different things on my credit report that I didn't apply for."

Recovering from Identity Theft

Katie spent countless hours contacting the companies of the fraudulent accounts, alerting law enforcement agencies that she was a victim of identity theft, and piecing facts together herself. The culprit was eventually caught and prosecuted, but not without taking an emotional toll on Katie. Although Katie was not responsible for the charges accrued, she had to deal with credit repercussions such as a lower credit score for a while and still sees unauthorized activity from time to time.

"Every once in a while, something will show up on my credit report and I have to call the company and explain about the fraud," Katie says. Luckily, the thief did not try to access Katie's banking accounts - although Katie thinks she would have known about the identity theft faster if the culprit had.

"I keep such a good eye on my banking accounts," Katie says. "But I didn't think to keep a close eye on my credit report."

Taking Precautions

Since that day 10 years ago, Katie has been mindful of her credit and has taken steps to feel more secure, such as ordering her credit report annually, removing her name from preapproved credit card mailing lists and putting herself on the do-not-call registry. She warns other people to do the same.

The Federal Trade Commission has put together a comprehensive resource bank to help consumers learn about the crime of identity theft, providing detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. Access publications, take quizzes, watch videos, learn more about what the government is doing to protect consumers - all in one central place.

http://www.onguardonline.gov/index.aspx †

This site provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information.

http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/idthft_ncpw.htm †

Information published by the United States Postal Service regarding Identity Theft. Site includes information on how to report suspected fraud if you believe you're a victim of identity theft.

http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm †

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is a nonprofit consumer information and advocacy organization that provides resources on privacy rights, including information about identity theft and scams designed to obtain personal information to use fraudulently.

http://www.annualcreditreport.com †

Take precautions against identity theft by monitoring your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus annually - It's free when you use this website. Check to make sure that all information is correct and verify that there are no unauthorized charges.