How does it happen? Easy.

A Social Security Number, a credit card number, your bank account codes, a driver’s license, health insurance cards –– virtually anything with your name on it can be used by criminals to commit fraud in your name.

And, this information is easier to get than you think. Here are some common tactics:

• Stealing or intercepting your mail


• Rummaging through trash for materials containing your personal information


• Filing change of address forms and having your credit card statements, bills, etc. rerouted to a new address


• Stealing information from pre-approved credit card offers sent to your address


• Stealing personnel records from employers or bribing employees who have access to personal records


• Stealing your wallet or purse


• eMail phishing – pretending to be financial institutions or other companies with requests or offers that get you to reveal your personal information


• Skimming – using a special storage device to steal your information when processing your credit or debit card