Identity Theft Skyrocketing—Protect Yourself
Although it is impossible to be completely safe from the theft of personal identity information, there are many simple and inexpensive steps that can be taken to reduce the danger. It is a good idea to request a different credit report every four months to monitor your credit. Also, it is important to be aware of the many ways a thief can steal identity and learn about ways to prevent it.
War Driving—Potential thieves drive through neighborhoods looking for unprotected wireless Internet connections. Use an encrypted network.
Sifting through Garbage—Sometimes referred to as dumpster diving, thieves rummage through business or home garbage for any mail or other documents that contain the specifics of personal financial information. Buy a shredder. It won’t be as expensive as losing the contents of an entire checking account.
Skimming—Some identity thieves use a sophisticated device that can be connected to a legitimate credit card reader that records the card’s information when it is swiped. A waiter or clerk can swipe a hand-held “skimmer” to record the card information. The card owner will have no knowledge this has happened. Take the card to the register whenever possible, or pay cash. Don’t leave the receipt on the table.
Phishing—An ID thief pretending to represent a financial institution or other legitimate business tries to deceive a consumer into revealing private information such as bank account or Social Security numbers. It is often done by phone. Hang up and call the institution directly. Virtually no company will ask for this private information on the phone.
Pretexting—Similar to phishing, pretexting is the method of obtaining financial information directly from a bank or other financial institution. Individuals have little control over this, but when choosing a bank or other financial institution one could ask whether their employee training program covers this tactic.
Redirecting Mail—Clever crooks sometimes file a change-of-address form to divert mail temporarily to a separate address. They can then acquire the personal information contained on any mail that has been received at that home—bank account statements, credit card bills, etc. If delivery stops inexplicably, contact the Post Office immediately.
Shoulder Surfing—Be careful at ATMs where potential thieves may be able to observe transactions, noting pin numbers. Sometimes hidden cameras or cell-phone cameras have been used to record a customer’s keystrokes. Be alert.
Removing Mail from a Mailbox—One of the simplest ways to acquire personal ID information is directly from a mailbox. Purchase one that can be secured by a lock.
Computer Hacking—Computer-knowledgeable crooks can gain access to a personal computer and all the information on it by any one of many technical means. Secure computers with a quality virus checker, anti-spyware software and well thought-through passwords.
Simply Stealing—The old-fashioned way to acquire identity information is to simply steal it from a purse or wallet. Don’t leave these in cars or hotel rooms. The cash a thief gets in this way may be the least valuable thing he or she will acquire. Such a person may be able to clean out entire checking and savings accounts with a wallet’s contents. Be aware that documents containing this valuable information can also be taken directly from the home by burglars, domestic help, repairmen or construction workers. Be alert and circumspect. Get a fire-safe.
It is important to be educated about identity theft. For more information on how to cope with these dangers and how to respond in the event of theft, go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website on identity theft.