Privacy Protection 101: How to Avoid ID Theft

Each year as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen, according to the Federal Trade Commission. A growing number of those ID thefts are occurring right here in Inver Grove Heights, as confirm.  Check out the Patch crime maps for last month as well as January, March, May and June.  All show identity thefts on the rise in IGH. 

When identity theft happens, it’s frightening and can take a long time to recover from. In this column, there is information on what identity theft is, how to defend yourself from it, how to detect it, and how to recover from it if it happens to you.

Identity theft is a crime that can take many forms. Identity thieves could obtain a credit card, or rent an apartment in your name. Thieves could buy a car, empty your bank account, or even use your Social Security number and get a job in your name or forge important government and tax documents. In any event, victims can end up having to spend hundreds and days repairing their credit and good name — along with other major problems like being denied a loan, or even missing out of a job opportunity.

So how do thieves steal your identity? Unfortunately, they have an increasing variety of ways, as pointed out in a recent KSTP report about a large scale ID theft ring caught right here in Minnesota. Thieves can dig through your trash looking for bills or other documents with personal data on it. They can pretend to be your bank or credit card company asking for your account information. They can steal your credit card numbers using a special device when processing your card. They can also fill out change of address forms and get billing statements sent to a different address where they can get your information, and finally, they can get your wallet and cards through old-fashioned stealing.

With the variety of avenues available to identity thieves, it’s important to do all you can to deter and prevent fraud. First and foremost, protect your Social Security number. Don’t keep your Social Security card in your purse or wallet, and only give your Social Security number if absolutely necessary. Next, be careful with your mail and trash. Shred documents that could contain personal data: insurance forms, credit applications, old credit cards, and so on.

Next, be careful while on the Internet. Be sure to download security updates for your operating system, and make sure you’re not visiting fraudulent sites attempting to be something else, like your bank. In addition, use intricate passwords that aren’t easily guessed. Use capital letters, numbers, symbols and so on. Don’t use things like your mother’s maiden name or your phone number. Someone could easily guess those with very little information about you.

Be sure to verify a source before sharing information. Don’t give out personal information by mail or the phone unless you absolutely know with whom you’re dealing. Thieves frequently pose as representatives of banks or government agencies to get people to give them personal information. Finally, always be sure to safeguard your purse or wallet, and store files and information in a secure location.

How do you detect identity fraud? Regularly check your bank statements for unauthorized purchases and check your credit reports. You’re allowed one free credit report a year from each of the major credit agencies and can get them securely online at www.annualcreditreport.com. By doing this, you can potentially catch red flags early. Beyond this, stay alert for signs of identity theft like accounts you didn't open and debts on your accounts that you can't explain, failing to receive bills or other mail, being denied credit, or being offered less favorable credit terms, like a high interest rate, for no apparent reason, and getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you didn't buy.

Finally, if you are unfortunately the victim of identity theft, there are four steps to take immediately: (1) Place a fraud report on your credit report, which will prevent additional fraud; (2) Close any accounts you think were opened or tampered with fraudulently; (3) File a report with the Federal Trade Commission — this will help law enforcement officials across the country; and (4) File a report with your local police.

This column is just a snippet of the information and resources available to help people deter, detect, and defend themselves from identity theft. For more information, I strongly encourage readers to head to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/index.html and learn more.

As always, I welcome comments on this issue, either by posting below, emailing me at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn, taking my survey at www.facebook.com/State.Rep.Joe.Atkins, or by giving me a call at the Capitol at 296-4192.