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Identity theft is a major problem in the United States. According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft consistently tops the list of consumer complaints. In fact, in 2004, identity theft was the grounds for more than 42% of all the complaints filed with the FTC Consumer Sentinel database. Moreover, identity theft costs an estimated $53 billion annually. This is inclusive of all types of loss, such as total loss, business and individual victims. Many people think of identity theft and they automatically think of using their credit card on the Internet, or using Internet-based banking services. In actuality, studies show that as much as 70% of all identity theft cases result from an "inside job". That means that an employee or co-worker of a business where you shop could be an identity thief. Additionally, often, what results in such cases is that the perpetrator is not even an employee - it is the business owner who is the identity thief. Yet another startling revelation is that in more than 25% of cases where identity theft is reported, the victims knew the identity thief or were even related to them. The number one rule in protecting yourself against identity theft is to be very careful with whom you share your information. These various types of identity theft and tips to prevent it from happening may help you to protect yourself. * Social Security Card Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. If your driver's license, insurance card or any other card uses your Social Security number as a member number or identification number, request a different number. * Phishing Emails We have all received the "phishing" scam emails and some seem very realistic. Don't fall for it. If you receive an email that appears to be from your bank, stores you patronize, government agencies or even personal people who want to "help" you or who have a "job offer," forward the email with full headers to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. EmailAbuse.org also offers a variety of tips on how to protect yourself. * Your Trash Identity thieves will gleefully to through your garbage for credit card offers, "convenience checks" and other pieces of mail that could reveal your personal information. Any documents that have personal information on them should be shredded before they ever make it to your trash can. * Phone Calls A fairly recent identity theft scam involves the scammer calling credit card holders, pretending to be the credit card company. They get all of your personal information and, bam! They have stolen your identity. If you receive such a call, get the person's full name and phone number, then hang up and call the credit card company back using the customer service phone number that is printed on the back of your card to verify that the call was legitimate. * Your Computer Shopping online is quite safe - as long as you know how to protect yourself. Before you enter your credit card number, Social Security number or any other personal information, review the privacy policy, looking for ways that you can opt out of providing personal information. If there is not privacy policy posted on the site, you should shop somewhere else. If you do enter personal information, only do so on secure web pages. You can easily identify a secure web page because it will have "https" in the address bar and there will be a padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser window. Secure pages encrypt or scramble your information to protect it from hackers. * Your Bills and Bank Statements As soon as you receive your credit card bill and bank statements each month, open them and look over them very carefully. If you see any unauthorized charges or withdrawals, report them right away. Also, if your bills do not arrive on time, call to check because it could mean that someone has changed your information to hide charges that are fraudulent. The identity theft commercials on TV may be amusing, but if you find yourself as a victim of identity theft, I can guarantee it will be no laughing matter. Take the time to ensure you are protected now and implement those safeguards. For more insights and additional information about Identity Theft Protection as well as our recommendation for an Identity Theft Protection Service, please visit our web site at http://www.identity-theft-info.com
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