Identity theft seems to grow geometrically by the day. Much of the problem with identity theft is caused by all the various requests for our personal information that are supposedly going to protect us from fraud. So let’s get this straight. Company A wants to look at and copy all my information to be certain I am who I say I am. Now they have all my information so someone else in their network of people can EASILY now go out and be who I say I am. Interesting.
This year alone, I was asked to show personal identifying information at least 7 times (that I can recall). Info such as my drivers license, Social Security card, credit card, passport, work ID, etc.,that was not a part of any credit transaction. Entities now want our information just because. I encourage everyone to put a halt to willy nilly sharing information with third parties (for questionable reasons).
Recently, the lab that handles getting my blood specimens began asking for my drivers license. Then I saw her go to the copy machine with it. When I asked why, she said she needed to send my license along with the specimen to California. Lab testing was done in California and apparently everyone in the chain had to see my ID to know it was really me. The license would verify that it was me who came into the facility and not someone trying to use my insurance. But is this the best they can do?
“Their policy” now raises yet a new avenue for identity theft. My insurer has all my information. Now they want to package it and send it to “I don’t know who” so that everyone on their side can be sure it was me who came in for the test. There are many loopholes in this type of verification process that I won’t go into here. But what is most obvious is that the insurer and the testing facility have zero concern over my ID and information. Their only focus is to be certain no one is stealing health benefits. Just imagine how many eyes and hands will touch my file between New Jersey and California.
The same thing happened at the hospital. They wanted to copy my drivers license and Social Security card and scan it into the computer. There goes my info again.
The popular store TJ Maxx had a BIG problem with the theft of secured data including credit card numbers, debit card numbers and customer driver license information. A settlement occurred. If you missed it, read here for more details.
Most of us look at Identity Theft as relating to credit. It does not have to be. People can steal your identity for a variety of purposes.
So how do you protect yourself?
- Refuse to let anyone and everyone copy your major ID. Question why they want it. In my case, at the lab, all they really needed was a photo of me, but they got in the habit of asking people for a license. I ended up giving them my Sam’s Club card.
- Subscribe to one of the “credit watch” services. They will let you know almost immediately (via email) if/when someone pulls your credit, if your score changes, if new information appears on your report, etc. This can be a lifesaver.
- Try not to carry every piece of ID with you all the time. Do you really need your Social Security card in your wallet every day? Some people even carry their passports 24/7.
- Be cautious online. If you shop online, try to use just one major credit card with a smaller credit limit. Keep credit available by paying the bill online as you use it. No need to leave yourself vulnerable by having a card with a $10,000 credit limit hanging out there.
- If your mail does not arrive, be aware. Especially credit card bills. Better yet, think about signing up to have bills delivered via email. Most creditors provide this service and they prefer you use it.
- On Social Networking sites, don’t give too much info. There are many thieves out there who can do damage with just a name, address and date of birth.
If you want to read more, visit the Government’s web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/detect.html.
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