The news is filled with stories of phishing attacks and computer visruses. However, 72% ofr identitiy theft is still committed by offiline means. Unlocked files and information thrown in the dumpster are still the primary targets of identity theives. To protect your valuable information you need to make sure it is shredded by certified shredding service.
With so much personal data available to those who'd misuse it, how do we protect ourselves? Here are a few simple tips.
- Shred anything that has individually identifiable information on it. The most innocuous information can sink your financial boat. If you don't use a professional shredding service already find one today.
- Don't use easily decrypted passwords, like anniversaries, birthdates or pet's name, and change your passwords frequently. Commit passwords to memory and keep a written list in a safe deposit box at your bank, not at home.
- If your bank and credit card companies offer the service, check your account activity online daily.
- Pay bills online. If you must write checks, take them to the post office. Never leave live checks in a mailbox. Thieves will steal them, "scrub-off" the amount and payee, and forge a new amount to them.
- Never release sensitive information over the telephone or email unless you have initiated the communication. Spoofers will pretend to be your bank, credit card company, etc.
- Never carry your social security number on your person.
- Have new checks delivered to your bank instead of your home and pick them up there.
- Late mail may be a clue that impersonators have stolen your identity. Call your financial institutions immediately. Credit card thieves may have changed your address without your knowledge.
- Another clue that you have been "taken" is if you are denied employment or a lease for no apparent reason. Check your credit report once a year.
- If possible, avoid using debit cards. Credit cards provide greater protection.
- Avoid using your mother's "real" maiden name to authenticate your identity. Instead, use an alias.
- Include this phrase with your signature on your credit cards, "photo ID required."
- Don't let greed cloud your judgment. Scammers use fabulous but phony inducements.
- Keep these numbers handy should you fall victim to identity theft:
- Federal Trade Commission: (877) ID-THEFT
- Equifax: (800) 685-1111
- TransUnion: (800) 680-7289
- Experian: (888) 397-3742
It's generally believed in law enforcement that one out of three Americans will fall victim to ID theft in their lifetime. However, with nearly 10 million victims reported in 2003 alone, and nearly 28 million victims in just the last five years, the experts might be underestimating the crime.
Last piece of advice: with not much updating, your grandmother's warnings are still valid. Never talk to strangers. And, if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't.
