Shoulder Surfing – When someone is watching you from nearby as you enter credit card payment information or calling card information, or by eavesdropping on a conversation during which you’re providing credit card information.
Dumpster Diving – A thief who is attempting to gain personal information about someone roots through their trash to obtain copies of checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records with identifying information.
Internet – Increasingly, identity theft is being committed via the internet, most often by phishing (pronounced “fishing”) or email scams. Phishing occurs when you receive an email that appears to come from a reputable company that you recognize and do business with, such as your bank. Often, the email will warn you of a problem requiring your immediate attention – and encourage you to click a link to go to a website. The phony website will look like the real thing – and in some cases might be – but you’ll then be asked to enter personal information, such as your password, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, account information, seemingly for legitimate purposes. If you provide that requested information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft.
Skimming – Skimming takes place when a special storage device steals your credit/debit number when you are using an ATM or making a transaction purchase. The information is skimmed from the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card.