Identity theft has is becoming one of the fastest growing crimes in
America . An estimated 9.9 million victims were reported last year according
to an FCC survey.
Information Security Magazine (February 2004 pg. 20) said there were
120,000 complaints of online fraud alone in 2003, a 60% increase over
2002. To get a victim's credit cleared it usually takes months, or even
years, and thousands of the victim's money.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft (also called identity fraud) happens when a person steals
a victim's identifying information and uses it to get credit, credit
cards, apply for bank loans, and even steal money from existing accounts.
Due to the nature of the crime, the victim may not know that this has
happened to them from months or even years. Most victims find out that
they have been taken advantage of when they apply for a loan or creditors
call trying to collect on the debts the criminal racks up. The crimes
involving identity theft can range from traffic violations to felonies.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
Identity theft is a crime that is fairly easy to commit; all that is
needed is Social Security Number, Name, birth date, and maybe other identifying
information like an address. After this information has been obtained
then it is fairly easy to get a credit card in your name, a drivers license
with their picture, or a loan to buy a car. The options range from small "petty" stuff
like utilities in your name to buying a car with a loan in your name.
Once the thief gets this information and opens the first account, the
next accounts are easier to open and they get richer and richer with
each account. During this whole time the victim may have no idea what
is going on until they try and get a loan and are denied or when creditors
come knocking on their door.
Ways to prevent identity theft in the workplace.
BraunConsulting.com has
good ideas of keeping employee and client information from getting
into the wrong hands.
Many of the things mentioned should be common practice in offices, but
many times are neglected.
Password protect sensitive information with non-dictionary passwords
and have the passwords change frequently (30 days is recommended)
Shred documents that contain personal information about employees,
clients, or anybody that you have contact with
Do not use Social Security Numbers as a form of identification.
How to prevent identity theft in your personal life
Visit MSN
Money's web site for 10 ways to stop identity theft.
Some of the basic rules of thumb are:
Don't give out your Social Security Number. This is a gold mine for
a identity thief to get credit
Check your credit regularly; about every 6 months is best.
Get your Social Security Number removed from your checks if it is
printed on there.
Purchase a shredder and shred all documents before putting them in
the trash. Getting applications for credit cards, loans or other things
can be achieved just by going through a persons trash.
