From the office of Robert E. Hansell, Osceola County Sheriff.

Did you know only 2 years ago, identity theft was the second fastest growing crime in the United States? Over the last year, we've seen the number of identity theft cases increase. Here's some basic information you should know to keep you safe.

"Identity theft" refers to crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data (i.e., name, date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, and your financial identity- credit card, bank account and phone-card numbers) in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain (to obtain money or goods/services). Criminals also use identity theft to fraudulently obtain identification cards, driver licenses, birth certificates, social security numbers, travel visas and other official government papers.

Unlike your fingerprints (which are unique to you and can't easily be given to, or stolen by, someone else for their use), your personal data can be used, if it falls into the wrong hands, allowing criminals to profit at your expense. On average, most victims don't even know their identity has been stolen until more than a year later.

Identity theft can have devastating consequences for you, as the victim, who may face long hours of closing bad accounts, opening new ones, and repairing your wrecked credit record. And, it may take sig¬nificant out-of-pocket expenses to clear your good name.

Here are some ways to protect you and your family against identity theft:

• Monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals.
• Other indications of identity theft include:
  • Failing to receive bills or other mail, this may signal an address change by the identity thief.
  • Receiving credit cards, and/or statements of accounts, for which you did not apply for.
  • A lender tries to repossess a car you didn't know you owned.
  • Being contacted by law enforcement after a crime is committed in your name.
  • Being denied credit for no apparent reason.

If you're ever denied credit, FIND OUT WHY, especially if you haven't reviewed your credit report lately. This may be the first indication you get that someone has stolen your identity and is racking up charges in your name.

If you think you are a victim of identity theft, call the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Arm yourself with knowledge. The more you know, the more you can guard yourself against this growing crime.

Republished with permission from the Sheriff's Office