(WTVA) - Identity theft is one of fastest growing criminal acts. We're told people make it easy and it is less risky. There are various ways it could happen to you before you realize you were a target. We want you to beware of the "dumpster diver."
When you take out your trash you probably do not expect someone to rummage through it looking for a way to steal your identify, but it happens. These days you really have to watch what you throw away.
"They actually physically go steal your credit card or a slip from the information that's thrown in the dumpster," Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said.
Avoid discarding papers that may have an identity trail, such as, bank or credit card statements, pay check stubs, loan information or anything with any indication of your personal information.
"Shred documents," Hood said. "We always recommend people get or shredders go to one of those shred it days."
All it takes is a little bit of time for a "dumpster diver" to steal your identity and put your credit in jeopardy.
"Once somebody steals your identity it takes a long time to ever correct your credit," Hood said.
Remember only throw away items you don't mind someone taking.
