What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

How Does it Occur?
Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. For identity thieves, this information is as good as gold. Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:

1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
3. Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
4. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
5. Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
6. Pretexting.  They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources. For more information about pretexting, click here.

Click here to find out what to do if you think you may be a victim of identity theft.
 

Recent Fraud Alerts
2.9.10 - Gas Station Fraud in California on Debit Cards
Due to the recent increase in fraudulent gas station transactions occurring in California, all automated fuel dispenser transactions originating in California have been blocked by LCCU.  Please note, your debit card will still work if you go inside the gas station to pay. Feel free to contact us at 360.834.3611 or email eservices@lacamas.org if you have any questions.

5.1.09 - Fraud Alert for the Asia Pacific Region and Australia
We are currently blocking all Visa debit transactions in the Asia Pacific and Australia. Visa credit cards and ATM cards are not affected by the block. For questions regarding the block, or to see if your if your travel destination will be affected, contact us at 360.834.3611 or email eservices@lacamas.org.