Beware the Fraudosaurus

Criminals can destroy your identity when they gather enough information, so beware the Fraudosaurus!

• Social Security Number: A golden ticket that makes stealing your entire identity easy.
• Date of Birth: Information required for nearly every account. With data, more common = more valuable.
• Full Name: Your full legal name, including maiden name or other aliases, gives criminals access to lots of other information.
• Passport & Driver's License Numbers: These give quick access to other information: full name, date of birth and address.
• Phone Number: Criminals call impersonating officials, such as IRS employees demanding money.
• Email Address: Criminals can send you phishing scams in hopes you'll give them more data.
• Bank Card PINs: Criminals can get access to your cash without having to show additional information.
• Account Numbers: They don't just care about your bank accounts. They also want your retirement information and insurance account information.
• Mother's Maiden Name: Common default account verification question for years; now, if you're given other options, use them!
• Where You Were Born: Common account verification information.
• Zip Code: Seems harmless but sometimes accounts require this information for added security.
• Credit/Debit Card Codes & Expiration Dates: Common information required before making new purchases with a stored card. Imagine the shopping spree thieves could have!
• Usernames & Passwords: Do you bank online? Do you share personal information via email or "the cloud"? Think of what criminals could do if they had access.

WARNING: Individually, these pieces of data seem insignificant, but together they make it easy for Fraudosaurus to destroy your identity. Protect yourself by enrolling in a program that constantly monitors the underground websites and alerts you if any of your info shows up.