Identity theft is a crime where someone steals your personal information and uses it to commit fraud. This can include your Social Security number, credit card numbers, bank account information, and even your date of birth.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
Identity thieves use various methods to obtain your personal information:
- Data breaches: Companies can experience data breaches, exposing customers' information.
- Phishing scams: These involve fraudulent emails or websites designed to trick you into revealing personal information.
- Skimming: Thieves use devices to capture your credit card information when you swipe it.
- Mail theft: Stealing your mail to access bills, bank statements, or pre-approved credit offers.
- Dumpster diving: Searching through your trash for discarded documents containing personal information.
The Impact of Identity Theft
The consequences of identity theft can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may experience:
- Financial loss: Unauthorized charges on credit cards, bank accounts, or loans.
- Damaged credit score: Fraudulent accounts can negatively impact your creditworthiness.
- Time-consuming recovery process: Disputing fraudulent charges and restoring your credit can be a lengthy process.
- Emotional stress: Dealing with the aftermath of identity theft can be emotionally draining.
Protecting yourself from identity theft is crucial. You can read more about it here.
Attorney Nathan DeLadurantey offers free consultations to explain your legal rights in Wisconsin. Free consultations can be scheduled online.
