“Stealing You” — The Crime Of Identity Theft

STAYING SAFE — America’s Crime Prevention Column

with

Bruce Mandelblit

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million — yes, 9 million — Americans have their identities stolen each and every day!

In fact, according to figures released by the FTC, identity theft topped the list of its most common consumer complaints.

It’s easy to understand why crooks love ID theft. Your personal information such as your Social Security number, your bank and credit card account numbers, and even your name, address and phone number, can be possibly used to commit fraud.

Identity theft, which occurs when someone rips-off your personal data for criminal purposes, is the fastest growing crime in the United States. These identity thieves steal your personal information to open new credit accounts, order merchandise and even borrow money, all in your name and without your authorization or knowledge.

Many times, sadly, innocent consumers are not even aware they have been victimized by identity thieves until they are contacted by collection agencies trying to cover debts they did not even know they had.

The FTC encourages folks to make sure their transactions, both online and off, are secure and that personal information is protected.

As with any other crime, prevention is the key, so here are some tips from the FTC folks to help you protect your personal data:

1. Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others. Ask about the company’s privacy policy.

2. Read the privacy policy on any Web site directed to children. Web sites directed to children or that knowingly collect information from kids under 13 must post a notice of their information collection practices.

3. Put passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number, or obvious choices like a series of consecutive numbers or your hometown football team.

4. Minimize the identification information and the number of credit cards you carry to what you will actually need. Do not put all you identifying information in one holder in your purse, briefcase or backpack.

5. Keep items with your personal information in a safe place. When you discard receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, bank checks and statements, expired charge cards, credit offers you get in the mail, and mailing labels from magazines – tear or shred them.

6. Consider ordering a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every year. Make sure it is accurate and includes only those activities you have authorized.

A Quick Security Tip: Some identity theft authorities suggest you review copies of your credit reports even more frequently than once a year.

7. Use a secure browser when shopping online to help guard the security of your transactions. When submitting your purchase information, look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar to help ensure your information is secure during transmission.

A Quick Security Tip: Some scoundrels have been known to place fake “lock” icons on their phony websites, so always use extreme caution when revealing any important information online.

For more information, log on to www.ftc.gov.

My Final Thoughts: In today’s high-tech world in which we all live, the challenge of safeguarding your personal information is paramount. Identity thieves are just waiting to obtain your personal data for their unlawful use.

Identity theft is a particularly ugly crime. A victim of identity theft may have to spend many hours and hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars trying to restore their good name and reputation. These identity thugs are not just stealing something from you; they are, in effect, stealing “you.”

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Copyright 2009 by Bruce Mandelblit

Bruce is a nationally known security and safety journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve law enforcement officer.

Bruce blogs on www.CrimeZilla.com

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.

The information in this article is provided “as is”, with all faults, expressed or implied. The author and/or publisher and/or copyright holder makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information. In no event shall the author and/or publisher and/or copyright holder be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, punitive damages, lost profits, and/or any indirect damages.