Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your information, including:
DUMPSTER DIVING: rummaging through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
SKIMMING: stealing credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
PHISHING: pretending to be financial institution or company and sending spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information online.
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS: diverting your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form in your name.
OLD-FASHIONED THEFT: stealing 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.
PRETEXTING: using false pretenses to obtain your personal information from you through a phone call, for example by taking a survey or selling you a product or service.
Equal Housing Lender