Methods of Identity Theft: Common
1. Dumpster Diving:
-- Thieves rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
2. Skimming:
-- Thieves steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
3. Phishing:
-- Thieves 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 / address by completing a change of address form (as though they were the older of the account or receiptient).
5. Old-Fashioned Stealing:
-- Thieves steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; - pre-approved credit offers; - and new checks or tax information. Thieves steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
6. Pretexting:
-- Thieves use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.
Laws pertaining to Identity
Federal Trade Commision: www.ftc.gov
Here's a listing of numerous state and federal laws and agencies dealing with identity theft.