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The fraudulent acquisition and use of a persons private identifying information, usually for financial gain.

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! Mix up passwords
! Stay weary of shady sites
! Regularly check your credit reports
! Protect documents with personal information
! Do not carry your social security number with you

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A scam where a thief sends an email to you claiming to be a legitimate organization to lure a victim into giving them their personal information, and then stealing their money

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~ Be cautious

~ Do not click links listed in the email message, and do not open a suspicious email

~ You can install a Phishing filter on your email application and web browser

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Thieves either send an email or set up a false website to make an unaware victim give them personal information to then have it stolen and used by a thief.

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What happens if you fall victim to identity theft?
+ Put a fraud alert on your credit reports

+ Contact your institution

+ File a police report

+ Protect your social security number

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Thieves usually attack the elderly and children when stealing information.
This is because those two age groups likely have more money saved up in their accounts than a middle aged person might.

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Thieves can obtain person information by,

1. Dumpster diving
- When a thief goes through your scraps looking for your information on bills or tax forms

2. Simple Pick-pocketing
- When your wallet or purse is stolen to take any means of cash

3. Skimming Debit or Credit Card Numbers
- When theives attach a fake card reader to an ATM machine, and steal your information and money without you knowing.

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https://www.thoughtco.com/ways-identity-thieves-get-your-information-972208

https://www.cisecurity.org/daily-tip/protect-yourself-from-phishing-scams/

https://www.creditsesame.com/blog/credit/steps-take-immediately-victim-identity-theft/