Detection

• To detect identity theft, start by tracking your mail. Have you been receiving all of your statements? Is there an option to go paperless? Pay bills online through secure outlets to protect your identity as well as our environment. For instance, pay your utilities bill through your bank's direct website. Further, you should request a copy of your earnings statement from the Social Security Administration. Review the SSA report in search of evidence that someone else is using your Social Security number, such as if there is unexplained income. Another red flag arises when bill collectors call you about accounts that you never opened. Collection agencies are required to investigate their accounts after they are informed of potential fraud or inaccurate information. However, they will not bend over backwards to validate accounts. When faced with collection calls, ask for information about the debt, including the creditor's contact information and your alleged account number. Contact the creditor and challenge the debt instead of ignoring collection calls.
  
  

Prosecution

• Once you realize your identity has been stolen, file a police report. You should also contact all three credit reporting agencies and place a fraud alert to minimize additional damage. By initiating a fraud alert, creditors must contact you before opening or altering an account. Successful prosecution of identity theives is rare, as resources often are used to pursue violent criminals. Increased efforts to strengthen prosecution include California's Senate Bill 612, which extends prosecutorial jurisdiction from where the crime took place to where the victim lives. The Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act in Texas allows the Attorney General to prosecute theives and seek restitution as well as fines of up to $50,000 per violation. The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act demonstrates a federal effort in tackling identity crime, by adding two years to sentences of convicted criminals.
  
  

Prevention

• Most people do not like accusing friends and family members of stealing, yet easy access to your belongings creates a greater possibility that someone you know will steal your identity. Avoid recklessly maintaining and discarding documents with personal and financial information. Cut back on your spending for a week and save for a paper shredder (i.e., crosscut instead of basic strip cut). If you are a parent, you must extend efforts to protect your children's personal information. Identity thieves will not discriminate when searching for targets. Lastly, be weary of scams, including telephone calls or emails that solicit personal information.