The Better Business Bureau reports that
over 27 million Americans have been
victims of identity theft in the last five
years and the number is rising rapidly.
Even though there certainly are security
issues inherent in the use of the
Internet, over 68% of information
obtained in identity theft claims is
obtained OFF line!
 Uses by identity thieves
Some of the leading uses of personal
information by identity thieves are: open new credit accounts in victim’s
name; make charges on victim’s existing
credit card account; open a new
checking or savings account; obtain a
personal or auto loan; and purchase
new cellular phone service.
Learning of identity theft
According to an authoritative study,
over 85% of victims learned of their
identity theft in a belittling manner:
a creditor demanded payment on a
late bill; a debt collection agency
made contact for unpaid bills; mail
service was disrupted; credit or a loan
was denied; the victim was not
allowed to open a bank account;
victim got an IRS notification.
How safe are you?
The non- profit Privacy Rights
Clearinghouse ( www. privacyrights. org)
has a wealth of information bout identity
theft and ways to protect you.
Take their test at www. privacyrights. org
/ itrc- quiz1. htm. It will give you a good
idea of how vulnerable you may be!
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse site
will also provide valuable information
about the steps to take if you suspect
identity theft.
Common sources for identity theft
hoodlums: stealing or hacking information
from businesses on their employees;
stealing mail including bank and
credit card statements or offers for new
credit cards; rummaging through victim’s
trash and business trash or public
trash disposal areas. |
