Identity Theft

Brandenburg Telephone Company takes great pride in protecting customers against identity theft. Through methods of authentication, Brandenburg Telephone Company will strive to protect it's customers from being victims of identity theft.

Identity Theft Definition

Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized person wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal information to commit fraud or deception, usually for economic gain.

There are two types of identity theft

"Account Takeover" occurs when an unauthorized person acquires existing credit account information and purchases products and services and charges the cost to the credit account. this type of fraud is typically discovered when the lawful owner of the account receives an account statement.

"Application Fraud" occurs when an unauthorized person uses SSN and other identifying information to open new accounts in the name associated with the identifying information. Victims are not likely to learn of application fraud for some time, because the monthly account statements are mailed to the address used by the imposter. In contrast, victims learn of account take over when they receive their monthly account statement.

Brandenburg Telephone Company will take practical steps to reduce the risk of both types of fraud.

What can you do?

Protect yourself from identity theft by keeping your personal information confidential.

You may find more tips on protecting your identity by visiting the Federal Trade Commissions website on Identity Theft by by clicking here.