With identity theft claiming a victim every 79 seconds in the United States, many are concerned. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 674,000 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints in 2006, and estimates that as many as 9 million Americans will have their identities stolen each year.  

According to the FTC, credit card fraud is the most common form of reported identity theft.  All a thief needs to open a credit card, get cash advances or obtain loans under your name is your Social Security number, a driver’s license, and a checking account number.

Understanding the seriousness of this crime is one of the ways you can fight back.

Identity Theft is when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number, bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Thieves get your data not only from low-tech methods like purses, wallets, and mailboxes, but also from high-tech ways such as double-swiping credit cards, and insecure transactions over the internet.

Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. The risk of being in an auto accident is 1 in 130. Astonishingly, 1 in 23 are at risk of being an ID Theft victim. Consequences for victims are astounding, with 12% of victims getting a wrongful criminal record. In addition to experiencing fraudulent credit card charges and overdrawn bank accounts, victims often discover falsified vehicle purchases, home loans, and utility charges, just to name a few examples.

So, how do you protect your identity?  Here are a few steps to take a proactive approach in managing your personal information!

• Shred, destroy and/or delete physical and electronic confidential information.
• Cancel your paper bills and statements wherever possible and instead check your statements and pay bills online.
• Use email-based account “alerts” to monitor transfers, payments, low balances and withdrawals.
• Avoid using easily available information (like birth dates of family members or you mother’s maiden name) for passwords.
• Secure confidential data in your home and at work.