How Do Thieves Get Your Personal Information?

Despite your best efforts to manage the flow of your personal information or to keep it to yourself, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your data.

So, how do thieves get your information?
They get information from businesses or other institutions by: 

• stealing records or information while they're on the job
• bribing an employee who has access to these records
• hacking these records
• conning information out of employees

They may steal your mail, including bank and credit card statements, credit card offers, new checks, and tax information. Always shred any document with personal information.

They may rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses, or public trash dumps in a practice known as "dumpster diving." Again, shred personal information.

They may get your credit reports by abusing their employer's authorized access to them, or by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legal right to access your report.

They may steal your credit or debit card numbers by capturing the information in a data storage device in a practice known as "skimming." They may swipe your card for an actual purchase, or attach the device to an ATM machine where you may enter or swipe your card.

They may steal your wallet or purse.

They may complete a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location.
They may steal personal information they find in your home.

They may steal personal information from you through email or phone by posing as legitimate companies and claiming that you have a problem with your account. This practice is known as "phishing" online, or pretexting by phone. Remember to never give out personal information over the phone or internet if you are not positive who you are dealing with. A bank will NEVER contact you to verify personal info.