Bruce Mandelblit
Monday, Nov. 1, 2004

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  What exactly is identity theft?

Simply put, identity theft occurs when one person uses another person’s Social Security number, driver’s license number, birth date or other identifying information to obtain credit cards, loans or products and services in the victim’s name.

While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, here are some outstanding ideas from the Federal Trade Commission, as well as from other law enforcement and security sources, that you can immediately use to help mitigate your risk of being a victim of this devious and sneaky crime.

1. Never leave your purse or wallet unattended at social events, work or while patronizing any businesses. Also, never place your purse or wallet in open sight in your vehicle, or on the checkout counter while you are making a purchase in a store.

2. Carefully guard your mail from theft. A good idea is to deposit your outgoing mail at your local post office. And, be sure to promptly remove your mail from your mailbox after it has been delivered.

A Quick Security Tip: You may want to think about renting a post office box for enhanced mail security.

3. Get passwords or PIN numbers for each of your credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your birth date, address, anniversary or phone number as your “secret” password. Also, never reveal your password to third parties.

4. Immediately destroy all checks when you close an account, and be sure to destroy or keep in a secure place, any checks that your bank or credit card issuer may send you.

A Quick Security Tip: You may want to purchase a high quality paper shredder to properly destroy any documents that may contain your personal, financial or other confidential data.

5. Pay close attention to your billing cycles. Remember that a missing credit card bill may possibly mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address. Also, reconcile your checking account and credit card statements in a punctual manner, and dispute any unauthorized purchases.

6. Keep to a minimum the identification information and the number of credit cards you carry on your person. Please credit cards with high limits that you do not use in a safe deposit box at the bank, if possible.

7. Very Important: Do not give out your personal details (i.e. Social Security number or credit card numbers) on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet, unless you have initiated the contact or you know with whom you are dealing.

A Quick Security Tip: Remember it is common for identity thieves to pose as employees of your bank, Internet service provider, or even governmental agencies, to get you to reveal your personal information.

8. Be careful were you leave your personal data in your home, especially if you have a roommate, have outside help or if you are having work done inside your house. Get a heavy safe (one that cannot be carried without mechanical assistance) for your home of you feel you must have all of your ID papers and credit cards in your house.

A Quick Security Tip: If possible, get a fireproof safe.

I know the story of one family in Maine that had a small but very sturdy safe in their home, with all of their papers, bonds, credit cards, and valuable baseball cards and coins in it.

An arsonist set a fire in the house one winter. The house did not burn down, but even so, the home became so hot that all the interior wood was turned to charcoal ... and the safe, while it did not burn, got so hot that every document inside was reduced to ash, and the silver coins were meted.

9. At your job, find out who has access to your personal information and verify that your records are kept in a secure location.

10. Do not carry your Social Security card unless you intend use it - and be sure to keep it in a safe place. Also, only give out your Social Security number when absolutely necessary.

For more information on “identity theft,” check out this comprehensive government website: www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Another good suggestion is to order a copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies (i.e. Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) at least once every year. Make sure it is accurate and only includes the activities you have authorized.

Remember, only by carefully protecting and properly managing your personal information, you just might prevent yourself from being a victim of this unfortunate and on-going malicious crime!

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(Note: If you manufacture or distribute any Security, Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Defense or Crime Prevention related products, please send information on your product line for possible future reference in this column to: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.)

Copyright 2004 by Bruce Mandelblit

“Staying Safe” with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine. Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His email address is: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com. Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer. Bruce writes Staying Safe, a weekly syndicated column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention. Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel - the state’s highest honor - for his public service. This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.