Phishing
Identity thieves create fake web sites and e-mail designed to mimic legitimate companies in order to trick people into divulging personal and financial information.
Skimming
Identity thieves get credit and debit numbers by using electronic devices to monitor ATMs and credit card processing. They can also monitor the keystrokes on a computer.
Garbage
Identity thieves will often rummage through the garbage of both organizations and individuals in search of credit card receipts, old checks or any other personal or financial information.
Businesses and Other Employers
Identity thieves generally get information from organizations by stealing records. They also get information by bribing employees or illegally accessing an organization’s computers.
Impersonation
Identity thieves often get information, especially credit reports, by posing as a landlord, employer, financial institution or government official.
Theft
Identity thieves steal wallets, credit cards, bankcards and mail such as credit card or bank statements and tax information.
Change of Address Forms
Identity thieves will submit change of address forms to divert mail to another location.