Prevent identity theft this holiday season Published Dec. 16, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Marie Denson 50th Space Wing Public Affairs SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- It may come as no surprise identity theft is on the rise, with more than 11 million victims last year alone. In 2009, identity fraud had jumped more than 12 percent compared to 2008, making this the highest rate since 2003, according to Javelin Strategy and Research's 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report. Identity fraud is the most common type of identity theft. "Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information such as your name, social security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes," according to the Federal Trade Commission. Identity can be stolen numerous ways, says the FTC: old fashioned stealing of wallets, purses or mail, dumpster diving, and phishing scams. Loans can be taken out in your name, or your social security number can be used to obtain government benefits. People can be robbed without even leaving their home. "There is no specific time for identity theft. It can happen anytime," says Staff Sgt. Penny Ortega, 50th Security Forces Squadron Investigations. "However, during the holidays, frauds are more common." Some different types of fraud include, but are not limited to, credit card, phone or utilities, bank, government documents, and name fraud. "Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms of identity theft. Be aware of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitor your personal information to uncover any problems quickly, and know what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen," suggests the FTC. To prevent falling prey to identity theft this holiday season, Sergeant Ortega suggests a few simple tips: When purchasing items from the internet, ensure the site is secure and is a familiar site. Do not provide banking and personal information over an unsecured or shared wireless site. Shred, shred, shred! Thieves will dumpster dive to obtain personal and banking information from bills, bank statements, and even personal letters. Military members can place an "active duty alert" on their credit report to help minimize the risk of identity theft while deployed. With an "active duty alert," businesses must verify the member's identity before issuing new credit. This makes it harder for identity thieves to use stolen information to apply for credit. Victims of identity theft should close the accounts that have been tampered with. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. For more information on prevention or what to do if you become a victim go to the Federal Trade Commission website www.ftc.gov.