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 Preventing Identity Theft


Preventing Identity Theft

What is identity theft?

"Identity theft is a criminal offense. It occurs when a person knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law."
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, 18 USC 1028(a)(7)

How widespread is the problem?

The FTC received 516,740 complaints from consumers in 2003, up from 404,000 in 2002. Of these, 214,905 (42%) were identity theft reports. Appropriated identity information is used for credit card fraud (33%), phone and utilities fraud (21%), bank fraud (17%), employment-related fraud (11%), government documents and benefits fraud (8%), loan fraud (6%), and other types of fraud (19%). Nearly 20% of all identity fraud victims experience more than one type of identity theft. - National and State Trends in Fraud & Identity Theft, January 2003-December 2003.

How can identity theft happen?

"Check your bank!

We recently received a package cushioned with 1/4" strips of shredded paper filler made from bank records! Names, addresses, deposit amounts, account numbers, phone numbers, Social Security numbers. It was all there. Easily reconstructed.

We wrote to the company who sent us the box.... 'Your packing material was most interesting (the recycled paper). Is there a company that supplies it? Is there a charge for it? If you have a company name I would appreciate your sharing it with me. Thanks!'

Their reply... 'Check with any local bank - they shred 6-10 bags per week - you can get it for free for the asking!'"

- Eavesdropping Detection Specialists - Murray Associates - Bank Record Shredding

Identity theft often occurs because someone has been casual with personal information. Leaving personal information unsecured in your home or sharing personal data on the Internet is an invitation to potential identity thieves, as is throwing out sensitive information such as bank statements, tax forms, or credit card information.

If you can, invest in a good shredder. Whether or not you use a shredder, inspect your bills, receipts, and discarded documents for any information that would make them useful to an identity thief. Look for personal data such as social security number, birth date, bank and credit card identifiers, stock or financial account information, maiden names, employment information, driver's license number, or old identification cards and credit cards. If you find something, don't just dispose of it, destroy it!

Resources:

NCPC tips on avoiding identity theft victimization

• Tips With Thanks From McGruff The Crime Dog (PDF, 129 KB). Identity Theft (PDF, 68.5 KB) This brochure briefly explains identity theft and offers tips on how to avoid it.

In the Fraud and Identity Theft section of Topics in Crime Prevention on this site, you will find links to resources about identity theft including the following:

• The extent of the problem:  National and State Trends in Fraud and Identity Theft: January 2003-December 2003 (Federal Trade Commission) .
• A primer on identity theft:  How Stuff Works: How Identity Theft Works.
• Basic safety tips for preventing fraud: How to Protect your name and your credit.
• The difference between ID theft on the Internet and in the physical world: Identity Theft: A Tragedy for Victims.
• List of items that criminals can use if not properly disposed of: Paper Shredders: Identity Theft Protection & Fraud Protection (abcoffice.com).
• Federal government information sites: Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Site; Identity Theft Resources/Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; Social Security Administration - When Someone Else Uses Your Social Security Number.