Frequently Asked Questions about Identity Theft

How big of a problem is identity theft?
What puts me at risk of being a victim of identity theft?
What are some ways identity thieves get their hands on your personal information?
How do I know I am a victim of identity theft?
What will happen if I am a victim of identity theft?
What are some quick tips I can utilize to protect my identity?
What are some tools I should have to help protect my identity?
What should I do if I find out I am a victim of identity theft?

Q. How big of a problem is identity theft?

Today, nearly three out of four Americans express more concern about identity theft than just two years ago - and the problem continues to grow. Identity thieves have victimized more than 10 million Americans, a number that grows with a new victim every four seconds.

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Q. What puts me at risk of being a victim of identity theft?

Behaviors you would not even think about may put you at greater risk of identity theft, such as tossing bills or financial statements in the trash without shredding, using easily cracked passwords, and not updating your Internet security software frequently enough.

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Q. What are some ways identity thieves get their hands on your personal information?

Identity thieves use a variety of methods, including stealing your mail, dumpster diving, stealing your wallet, hacking your computer, skimming your credit card data, stealing company databases with client information, and even stealing the information from your computer hard drive when you dispose of your old computer.

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Q. How do I know I am a victim of identity theft?

Usually you will see some telltale signs. For example, if you have a good credit history and your application for a loan or job is turned down because of credit score; your credit card statement arrives with a bill for charges you did not make or you receive a bill for a credit card you did not know you had; collection agencies start calling you about debts you did not know you had on accounts you never opened. The bottom line is that if something seems amiss with your financial statements or personal information, it is worth looking into in more depth.

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Q. What will happen if I am a victim of identity theft?

Identity thieves can run up massive credit card bills, drain your bank account, apply for jobs or mortgages and even receive medical treatment in your name. Victims have spent approximately 300 million hours resolving problems caused by identity theft, which breaks down to approximately 30 hours per victim, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

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Q. What are some quick tips I can utilize to protect my identity?

Shredding personal data and monitoring your credit report are two of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce your risk. Other tips to remember are: lock up vital identification in a safe (e.g. passport, Social Security card), use a password with a random combination of numbers and letters, install and update Internet security software, and don't give out personal information over the phone or Internet.

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Q. What are some tools I should have to help protect my identity?

Staples has a variety of products dedicated to helping consumers protect their identities. Among them are:

• Shredders — The new powerful and compact MailMate M3™ ($79.99) to the space saving 12-Sheet diamond/cross cut shredder™ ($129.99), Staples has a full line of shredders to fit every customer need. For more information on shredders, please visit staples.com.
• Staples® Identity Theft Protection service powered by PrivacyGuard®- A service that provides customers with daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance ($39.99/6 months, $99.99/18 months)
• Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2008 - Protects your PC from hackers, viruses, and spyware ($59.99)

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Q. What should I do if I find out I am a victim of identity theft?

Act quickly. Start by alerting at least one of the major credit reporting bureaus of the identity theft and place a fraud alert on your account. Then, close the accounts that have been compromised. Contact your financial institution and make sure they are aware of the situation. Finally, file a police report — identity theft is a crime. Click here to download a free copy of Staples " An Easy Guide to Protecting Your Identity," which provides a list of resources to contact and steps to take in the event you are a victim of identity theft.

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