“I don't understand, I thought I did everything right.” This is the common sentiment of many identity theft victims. Ranked as one of the fastest growing crimes, identity theft is increasing in both numbers and degree of sophistication.
“It's an epidemic,” said Tami Nealy, Director of Public Affairs at Lifelock, an identity theft protection agency. “Last year, there were 800,000 cases reported to the FTC, up 16 percent from 2007.” Currently, the Federal Trade Commission ranks PA as 14th in the nation for identity theft.
Identity thieves can strike without warning and often, in ways that do not garner immediate attention from the victim. “For example, a thief can attach a 'skimming device' to a credit card reader on something such as a gas pump, and when you pay at the pump, the device reads your card and thieves can use that information to make a new card with your name,” Nealy said.
“Or, a thief can steal your mail and open a credit card with your name and a new address using pre-approved credit card offers. A credit card company will accept those applications even if it has been torn into four pieces and taped back together.”
Another way thieves can come across personal information is through third parties who are negligent in protecting inside information. “There's no law saying if they lose it, that they have to fix it,” warns Nealy.
Zach's Story
Zach Friesen is no stranger to identity theft. His identity was stolen when he was seven years old and stayed undetected until ten years later. “I was denied school loans and jobs, and I couldn't understand why, until the interviewer informed me that I was a liability to a retail company because of my debt. I had no idea. I went to the major companies and finally, a debt collector informed me I owed $40,000.”
Friesen and his family ended up clearing his name after hours of work and $1,200 of their own money. He took his experience and began a non-profit organization which visited schools carrying a message of awareness and prevention to children, educators and parents. Eventually, Friesen crossed the country and in March 2008, testified on the Senate floor for legislation against identity theft.
“I was really lucky to clear my name,” said Friesen. “It can happen to anyone. You are 40 times more likely to have your identity stolen than your house broken into, and it's 20 times more likely than having a car stolen.”
While there is no foolproof system against identity theft, prevention measures can taken to ensure personal information does not easily fall into the wrong hands. If suspicions do arise, Nealy suggests the following, “First, file a police report. Second, contact a credit bureau. Third, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, which tracks this type of criminal activity.”
Preventative Measures
- Be wary of anyone who requests your personal information, either on the phone or in person. Corporeal Linette Quinn of the PA State Police suggests, “Ask questions. Ask for a supervisor. Check businesses on the Attorney General's website. Above all, go with your instincts.” Nealy also suggests asking businesses how they store information and what security precautions are in place.
- Using a shredder, destroy any documents which may contain inside information, including bank statements, bills, and credit card offers. “For 20 bucks at Target, it's worth saving your identity,” said Nealy.
- Keep a close watch on your credit report. At www.annualcreditreport.com, a free credit report can be requested once every 12 months from each of the three consumer credit reporting companies- Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
- Stop pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-OPOUT to reduce mail theft.
