Pretexting and How to Tell if your Identity has been Stolen

Pretexting is, in simple terms, the process of getting another person's information using false pretenses. This information can be used by the person who collects it to sell to someone else who will use it to get credit in your name, steal your money or assets while devastating your good credit.

There are many different techniques that pretexters use to get your personal information. They may call and say that he or she is taking a survey to get some of your information. The information gathered may be used to call your bank and get more information by claiming that there has been unauthorized access to the account or that they need new checks. Eventually, through diligent work, these pretexters may be able to obtain your social security number, bank account number, credit card numbers, credit report and even the amount of money in investments.

While much information about you is a matter of public record, it is illegal to use false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or documents to get information from a financial institution or a customer of a financial institution such as a bank. It is also illegal to use forged, lost, stolen or counterfeit documents to obtain information from financial instructions. It is illegal to use another person's information without their authorization to make purchases or transfer funds. It is also illegal to ask a person to obtain someone's information for you using any type of forged, counterfeit, lost or stolen documents or false statements.

If an identity thief is opening credit accounts using your identity, it will show up on your credit report. You should frequently check your credit report should you have any reason to think that an identity thief may be or has been at work using your name. Look for accounts you haven't opened, debt you can't explain, credit inquiries from companies that you never applied for credit with. If you find any errors, talk to the credit reporting bureaus to learn exactly what your rights and options are for repairing your credit report.

If you suddenly fail to receive bills or statements that you expect to arrive on a regular basis, you should contact your creditors, bank or other company to find out if the documents have been mailed. If you are missing a bill, it could mean that someone has removed it from your mailbox to use as part of a scam or that they have already taken over your account and changed your billing address.

Another sign to be aware of is receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for. It seems that almost every day an offer comes in the mail, but should a credit card that you have not actually filled out an application for arrives; this could mean someone else applied for the card.
Being denied credit when you know your credit should be good is another signal of identity theft. Also, if you know that you are paying your valid bills on time and suddenly credit collection agencies begin to call, you must realize that identity theft has probably occurred and learn the steps to take to protect yourself from further harm.