How Can an Identity Thief Get Your Personal Information?

Identity thieves may get your personal information by:

• Removing mail from your mailbox or fraudulently redirecting your mail
• Stealing personal and private information from wallets, purses, mail, your home, vehicle, computer, and websites you've visited or e-mails you've sent
• Retrieving personal information in your garbage or recycling bin by "dumpster diving"
• Posing as a creditor, landlord or employer to get a copy of your credit report or access to your personal information from other confidential sources
• Tampering with automated banking machines (ABMs) and point of sale terminals, enabling thieves to read your debit or credit card number and Personal Identification Number (PIN)
• Searching public sources, such as newspapers (obituaries), telephone books, and records open to the public (professional certifications)
• Buying the information from a dishonest employee working where personal and/or financial information is stored.