What Is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft happens when someone steals your personal information in order to commit fraud or theft. Identity theft is a felony.

Identity Theft becomes a concern to victims whose purses or wallets are lost or stolen due to the amount of personal identification inside. The thief may, for example, use your information to open a credit card account, charge purchases to a card in your name and you do not know until your credit rating is adversely affected.

Identity Theft as defined by Kansas Statute 21-4018(a) is "Knowingly and with intent to defraud for economic benefit, obtaining, possessing, transferring, using or attempting to obtain, possess, transfer or use, one or more identification documents or personal identification number of another person other than that issued lawfully for the use of the possessor."

Prevent Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft:
• If your purse or wallet is stolen, obtain a credit report immediately afterwards.

• Shred or tear up all paperwork with personal information on it before placing it in the trash.

• Shred all applications for credit cards that you receive in the mail if you are not going to obtain the card. Many times all it takes is a signature to activate an account in your name!

• Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors or anyone you may be unsure of. Instead, obtain their phone number and call them back. Legitimate companies will have no problem giving you their telephone number.

• The Internet is a great source of information for society, but that includes thieves, too! Before putting personal information or your credit card number out on the Internet, determine if the site is a secure site.

Most sites will let you know if they are secure or not. A secure page begins with https:// and will feature, in Netscape, a blue bar across the top of the window and a solid key in the lower left corner; or, in Microsoft Internet Explorer, a closed padlock in the lower right corner.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, immediately contact the Prairie Village Police Department by calling 913-642-6868.

For More Information
FirstGov.gov your first click to the U.S. Government
Federal Trade Commission
Information on Identity Theft
Federal Consumer Information Center