Identity Theft:

In the course of a busy day, you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, change service providers for your cell phone, or apply for a credit card.  In each transaction, you reveal bits of personal information, like your bank and credit card account numbers; your income; your Social Security number (SSN); or your name, address, and phone numbers - a goldmine of information for an identity thief.  Once a thief has that information, it can be used without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.

Identity theft is a serious crime.  People whose identities have been stolen can spend time and money cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of their good name and credit record.  They may lose out on job opportunities, and loans for education, housing, or cars.  They may even get arrested for crimes they didn’t commit.

Can you prevent an identity theft?  As with any crime, you cannot completely control whether you will become a victim.  But according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information cautiously.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit offers an identity theft prevention program that provides information to community and business groups on reducing their chances of becoming a victim of identity theft.  For further information contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (727) 582-5661.