Identity Theft - Common Ways You Can Be a Victim

Identity theft has become our country's fastest growing crime. More and more people from every walk of life are victimized each day. According to a Federal Trade Commission's survey a staggering 9.9 MILLION victims were reported last year. The results can be overwhelming with a loss of time and money spent by victims trying to put their lives and finances back in order.

Identity theft is being labeled "the fastest growing crime across the country right now". Such fraud may account for as much as 25% of all credit card-fraud losses each year. Stealing your identity is a relatively low-risk, high-reward crime for the criminal. They usually are long gone since many times the crime is not discovered till after they wipe out a bank account or purchase an item. Don't think identity theft is just about stolen credit cards or driver's license. Today you can be a victim of medical theft, financial theft, and consumer theft.

We're all at risk.

Do you hand your credit card to restaurant servers?

How often do you check your credit card statements?

Do you receive mail at your home?

How often do you check your credit report?

Do you shop on the Internet?

Do you shred all discarded personal mail?

A theft using you social security number can set up a bank account, purchase a house or car or apply for employment.

What do you need to do to protect yourself?

Reduce the number of credit and debit cards you carry in your wallet. If you use a debit card, make sure you take advantage of online access to your bank account to monitor account activity frequently. If you see a charge that is fraudulent notify your financial institution immediately. Do not use debit cards when shopping online. Use a credit card because you are better protected in case of fraud.

When using your credit and debit cards at restaurants, stores, and gas stations you need to pay close attention to how the magnetic stripe information is swiped. There have been cases of dishonest employees using small hand-held devices called skimmers to quickly swipe the card and then later download the account number data onto a personal computer. When using your credit card, at the gas station pump, be alert if you see a small metal box attached to the pump where you swipe your credit card. This is a magnetic stripe information device placed their by a theft. The thief can use credit card account data for internet purchase and also the creation of counterfeit cards.

It is best to put receipts in your wallet rather than in the shopping bag or in your pocket. Keep the receipts until you check your bill. Then shred them. Do not throw them in the trash as is. When shopping, never permit your credit card number to be written onto your checks. It's a violation of laws in many other states and puts you at risk for fraud.

Most importantly never give out your social security number, credit or debit card number or other personal information. This applies to the phone, by mail, or on the internet. Only deal with a business you trust. A recent telephone scam tells the person that they failed to appear for jury duty and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. When the person denies that they received a jury summons the caller states they can clear the matter up if the person gives then their social security number and birth date. Remember the court will not call you regarding this matter. Do not give your personal information over the phone.

What are some of the things you can do to prevent identity theft?

1. Order your credit report at least once a year. If you stagger your request for a report from each of the three agencies during the year then you can monitor your reports over a period of time. If you are a victim of fraud or identity theft you need to be able to find out quickly so you clean up your credit and regain your financial identity.

2. Many people receive their credit card statement and leave it unopened until they are ready to pay the bill. Instead you can subscribe to receiving your credit card statement online giving you the ability to check your statement on a regular basis.

3. Never open or reply to spam emails that are soliciting personal information. This past year has seen a proliferation of spam emails awarding the receiver an inheritance if they respond to the email for bank information so money can be sent to their account.

4. Make sure you are on the no call for your home and cell phone: visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

5. Help reduce the amount of pre-approved credit offers you receive by calling the national credit bureaus' opt-out line at 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-5-678-688) or visit their web site www.optoutprescreen.com.

6. Do not carry your Social Security number with you unless you need it that particular day. You can check your earnings and benefits statements at 1-800-772-1213.

7. Have your checks sent to your bank or credit union and pick them up there if your mailbox is in a vulnerable location.

Always be vigilant with your personal information.

Go to our website and order your FREE copy of "Identity Theft: Ways to Avoid Being a Victim" www.equaljusticeforallpeople.com

About the Author

Dolores Bourne is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. Currently she and her husband divide their time between Houston, Texas and San Jose, California. She conducts workshops for associations, businesses, colleges and universities nationwide. Her workshops are informative, thought-provoking and comprehensive.

Previously she was a workshop leader and educational consultant for Harcourt, Brace Publishers, Inc. She has owned her own consulting firm. Dolores has a B.A degree from Caldwell College and an M.A. degree from Keane State. New Jersey. Over the years she has authored educational textbooks for Harper Row and Mc Graw Hill Publlishers.
Recently she created a booklet for Identity Theft Prevention. Visit her website to learn more and receive your FREE copy of her booklet.
http://www.legaljusticeforallpeople.com

Author Profile: Dolores Bourne

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