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1.) While there is an unlimited number of ways thieves take your information the most common are mail theft (incoming and outgoing) and dumpster diving. Stealing your information from the trash, this may not be only your personal mail box or trash can, but this can also include mail boxes and dumpsters of those you do or have done business with. This is why we recommend a P. O. Box and a cross cut shredder. See report 23.
2.) The five major types of identity theft are: Financial, Drivers License, Medical, Criminal, and Social Security Number identity theft.
3.) There are several credit reporting agencies, but the three major ones are: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. .
4.) The credit reporting agencies will Never call to update your information.
5.) Pharming is when a live person calls or knocks on your door, posing as someone else, trying to get your personal information. Where as Phishing (see report 22) is when you are sent an email, or on a web site that looks like the real thing. Skimming (see report 24) & Shoulder Surfing (see report 25) are defined in on our credit card report.
6.) FALSE - Just because you don't leave your information on the Internet, does not mean that it's not in a stolen laptop, or hacked database that belonged to someone else. To see a classic example of identity thieves selling your information on the Internet see report #2. If your information is sold at this level you may become an identity theft victim over and over again.
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