Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information without your permission. This information may include your name, address, driver's license number, Social Security number, mother's maiden name, birth date, or financial information such as your bank account, credit card, or PIN number. An identity thief may obtain your identifying information by stealing credit card applications, bank statements, or checks from your trash or mail, finding your lost or stolen wallet or purse, hacking your credit card number from a corporate database, or stealing your information from inside a company that holds it.

An identity thief may use your information to obtain new credit cards, open checking accounts, get a bogus driver's license or Social Security card, make long distance calls, apply for a job, or make purchases using your bank account or credit card. ID theft is a felony crime and should be reported to your local law enforcement agency. Because of the nature of the crime, you may not realize your identity has been stolen until you are denied credit, turned down for a job, or sent a bill for purchases you did not make. By that time, your good name and credit history may be in ruins. Rebuilding good credit in the aftermath of identity theft can take months or even years.

The State of Texas has now enacted a new law to help consumers combat Identity Theft.  This law allows consumers to place a security freeze on their credit to help prevent this type of crime.  For more information on the cost and how to get this protection please go to the following web site.

Financial Privacy Now

If you believe you are a victim of Identity Theft there are two packets that you will be required to fill out and turn in at the time you report the crime.  In order for you to read these two packets you will need Adobe Reader.