Identity Theft: Tips and Preventative Measures

Identity theft occurs when someone takes your personal information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud.

Victims of identity theft may be denied loans for education, housing, or cars because their credit reports have been negatively impacted. They may even be arrested for crimes someone else committed.

These victims can spend a lot of time and money repairing the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record.

Learn more about identity theft from the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here.

If you suspect your personal information has been stolen and is being used by a thief, take these steps to respond to and recover from identity theft by clicking here.

For more information about safeguarding your personal information and minimizing your risk for identity theft click here.

Did You Know?

In 2007, Fresno ranked 30th on the list of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas per capita for identity theft complaints.
In fact, the San Joaquin Valley has one of the highest incidences of identity theft in the entire nation. All of the major Valley cities rank in the top 50 on that same list, with Madera ranking 2nd, only behind Napa, California.
Source: Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data, Jan-Dec 2007. Federal Trade Commission, Feb. 2008