Identity theft has been called the fastest growing crime of the millennium. It is popular with criminals because it is easy to commit, and is considered a faceless, victimless crime. But victims often have to spend large amounts of their own money and time clearing their name and credit. The average amount stolen per victim is $18,000.

How to prevent identity theft
Order a credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies annually:

Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
1.888.EXPERIAN (397.3742)
www.experian.com

Trans Union
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
1.800.680.7289
www.transunion.com

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1.800.525.6285
www.equifax.com

Scrutinize the credit report for errors, new accounts (credit or utility) or address changes. Report inaccuracies immediately. Do not carry unnecessary credit cards or ID, especially Social Security cards. Do not respond to emails from banks, credit card companies or internet commerce sites such as Amazon or eBay. These companies will never ask for personal information via email.

Be careful how you share your personal information, as well as with whom you share it. Do not send mail from a home mailbox as thieves look for the “red flag” to alert them to outgoing mail. Do not leave wallets or purses in cars since car burglaries are the easiest way to gain access to personal information.

For further information, contact the Lenexa Police Department Crime Prevention office at 913.477.7245.