Identity Theft

Identity theft is a major problem in the U.S. today.

Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of information such as Social Security and driver's license numbers to obtain credit, merchandise and services in the name of the victim. The victim is left with a ruined credit history and the time-consuming and complicated task of regaining financial health. The imposter may even use the victim's good name for criminal activities. Unfortunately, the incidents of identity crime are on the rise, leaving devastation in its wake. Nationally, an estimated 700,000 consumers became victims of identity theft during 2002. Identity theft has reached epidemic proportions.

How do thieves get my information?

· They go through your trashcan, looking for straight cut or unshredded papers. · They steal your mail or your wallet. · They listen in on conversations you have in public. · They trick you into giving them the information over the telephone or by email. · They buy the information either on the Internet or from someone who might have stolen it. · They steal it from a loan or credit application form you filled out or from files at a hospital, bank, school or business that you deal with. They may have obtained it from dumpsters outside of such companies. · They get it from your computer, especially those without firewalls. · They may be a friend or relative or someone who works for you who has access to your information.

While there is no foolproof way to ensure that your identity is safe from those who would prosper at your expense, there are things you can do to make it hard for them to get your data, and if they do, make it difficult for them to get away with using it.

Vigilance is the Key

Become aware of how you handle sensitive personal information such as your social security number, date of birth, driver's license number, etc. This information should be guarded and only given out when it's absolutely necessary and you're sure the other party is trustworthy. Additionally, be very careful about how you discard items containing this information. Thieves have been known to rifle through curbside trash looking for exactly this type of information. An inexpensive shredder will make quick work of records containing sensitive information.

Carry only what you need at any given time. Important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, passports, etc. are best left home until you need them. The less personal information you have with you the better, in the event you should lose your wallet or purse or have them stolen.

Consider having your mail delivered to a post office box, or have a locked mailbox installed. Many identity thieves steal credit card offers from personal mailboxes and apply using your name and credit information, but their addresses.

Make sure your computer has an adequate firewall to prevent hackers from intruding into your sensitive information such as checking and savings accounts, on-line bill paying programs and other confidential data.

Be cautious when using cell phones. Many older models do not have scrambling technology, which allows thieves to monitor telephone calls in much the same way that a car radio tunes in to a station.

Check your credit report periodically. Your credit report includes data from a major national credit bureau and will provide you with a current picture of your credit status. If someone has illegally tapped into your identity, this is the first place it will show up, as applications for unauthorized charge accounts, major purchases and loans. Additionally, you can use the "opting out" option on your credit reports. By opting out of pre-approved offers of credit, you cut the chances of these offers being lost or stolen in the mail and later used to commit crimes using your identity. Just request the credit bureau to place a statement on your credit reports to the effect that you don't want any credit granted without their first notifying you either by telephone or through the mail. This will keep the criminals from getting instant credit in your name.

Medical History

Most people automatically assume that their medical records are confidential. The fact is that most state laws contain exemptions to privacy and usually you must waive your right to confidentiality in return for insurance coverage. Whenever you complete an application for life, health or disability insurance, the medical information you provide can be sent to the Medical Information Bureau. This includes information about medical conditions and non-medical information that might affect your insurability, including a bad driving record, participation in hazardous sports and aviation activity. Currently there are no comprehensive laws regarding medical records privacy; however you can check the accuracy of the information in your file.

If, in spite of all these precautions, the unthinkable happens, immediately contact the police and report the theft and get a case number assigned to your case. Insist on police reports. Insist that credit card companies send you copies of applications and credit slips and the paperwork that links your name to the imposter. If one person at a company won't help you, talk with a supervisor. We recommend you always talk with a fraud investigator, not a customer service representative.

Identity theft is a complex problem. You will not be able to work on clearing your name as fast as you'd like. Companies move slowly, partly to protect you. Most imposters are never found, let alone arrested or convicted. This is often not the fault of law enforcement, but rather the nature of the crime. So, work with the police, help them out when you can, but let them investigate. Work on clearing your name and getting your life back to normal.