Published: September 04, 2008 05:46 am            

Take steps to avoid identity theft

PALESTINE — Identity Theft is something to be taken seriously with over 30 million victims in the past five years and it being the top consumer complaint to the FTC for five years in a row. Identity theft happens when your personal information is used by a criminal with the expressed intent of assuming your identity.

The possession of a Social Security number is the primary method for laying the foundation to take over someone's identity. This makes it possible to get loans, credit cards, driver's license and anything else requiring a Social Security number. Not only does this allow a criminal to create new accounts in your name, but also to take over your existing accounts.

What means do these criminals use to get your information? Some of the more common tactics are dumpster diving, skimming through the use of electronic devices, phishing through emails or pop-up boxes on your computer screen, submitting a 'Change of Address' at the Post Office and just plain old-fashioned stealing of your billfold or purse. For a more detailed explanation on skimming and phishing see Computer Bytes (CB) 12 and 43, respectively.

While identity theft is on the rise, there are some easy methods to protect your identity and thwart these criminals. Do not leave mail in your mail box over night or over the weekend. Shred any documents or unwanted mail that may contain personal information, offers an unsolicited credit card or contains those blank credit card checks. It is also recommended that you place outgoing mail in a US Postal Service box as these criminals specifically look for home mail addressed to credit card companies. Finally, review your consumer credit report on an annual basis.

Buying and ordering goods on the Internet is convenient but should be done only on secure sites (see CB 4). And, if you are conducting business online that requires submitting your Social Security number, consider getting an Employee Identification Number (EIN). An EIN can be obtained from the www.irs.gov site and can be used in place of your Social Security number in most cases.

What do you do if you have been a victim of identity theft? Contact the Federal Trade Commission Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or use their online complaint form. In some cases you will want to file a police report as this will give you certain legal rights. More information on Identity theft can be reviewed at the FTC website http://www.ftc.gov.

The unprecedented increase in Identity theft has resulted in the creation of a whole new area of business. There are now companies that provide services aimed at helping protect you from Identity theft. Some companies offer a dedicated and guaranteed service where your safety is their sole concern, i.e., Lifelock. You can also find some protection services available through certain credit card companies — services will vary from company to company.

Take time to be safe, visit www.moncriefwebdesign.com where information links in this article will be active. Have a computer question on a particular topic you would like to see covered? Send me an email at Moncrief@startel.net. Be sure to “whitelist” my email address so you can receive my reply. Visit Computer Bytes at www.moncriefwebdesign.com where all past articles are available on line. ‘Til next time “Happy Surfing.”

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.