Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information (your name, address, Social Security number, etc.) to open financial accounts in your name without your permission. Thieves can collect your personal information in many ways:

• Stealing incoming or outgoing mail
• Finding old bills or statements while rummaging through trash
• Stealing computing equipment (laptops, personal computers, mobile devices, etc.) 
• Contacting you directly through social engineering or through e-mail (phishing)

Resources to help you learn more

The following links provide you with more information about identity theft, how it occurs and steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft: Please note, when you select one of these links you will be leaving our site and going to a Web site that we neither own nor operate. Nationwide does not monitor, endorse or accept responsibility for the information on the Web site.

Government resources/websites

• U.S. Department of Justice’s identity theft and fraud page
• Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft page
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• U.S. Secret Service
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
• Don't be an online victim

Other organizations

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
• National Consumers League
• Better Business Bureau

Find out your credit rating

The following three main Credit Reporting Bureaus offer products and services designed to help you manage your credit rating as well as your risk of identity theft.

• Equifax
• Experian
• Trans Union

The FACT Act amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act entitle you to one free credit report in a 12-month period. Find out how you can get your free credit report.