ID Theft
Why does it seem like no one cares about identity theft?
Checking on Yahoo! groups for privacy protection/ credit card fraud/ identity theft oriented groups, it seems like there's NOTHING! Am I going insane?
Public Comments
- You might be wondering just what identity theft actually is if you haven't been a victim. Identity theft is the use of some ones name, birth date, social security number or other personal identifying information for illegal gain. Difficulty Level: Easy Here's How: Don't give out your social security number. The one most important item to an identiy thief is your social security number. Check your credit report regularly. By checking regularly, you will notice any unusual discrepancies before they become a major problem. Monitor your credit card bills for charges that you haven't made. This is the best way to tell if someone else is charging on your card. Buy a shredder and shred all papers before tossing them into the trash. It's awfully hard to use information that has been shredded. Don't print your social security number on your checks. This is an old habit that has been outdated. Don't give your credit card numbers to strangers. No matter how trustworthy a person might seem, they could be waiting to assume your identity. Don't give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Even if you initiate the call, be sure of the recipient of your personal information. Guard your identity as you would any other valuable asset. Your identity in someone else's hands can ruin you and your credit.
- Identity theft is an unfortunate thing to happen to anyone, however so many corporations have implemented Identy Theft Protection measures that these days, if you feel like you've been a victim, you can usually call whatever company is involved (your credit card company, your phone company, your bank, etc.) and tell them, and they usually take care of it for you. It's become a very big business to protect from the situation, so concern over it has dropped dramatically, which I would consider a good thing. Be happy, things are getting better (it would seem)!
- insanity is hereditary- you get it from your children- sooo ... if you have no children, you are not going insane... on to your question- the only individuals who care about identity theft are those who feel they have something to lose, and those who have suffered the problem. It is a shame that there are people out there who steal idenitities. They cause a lot of suffering, embarrassment and financial pain. The groups that claim to monitor for identity theft are out for profit. Talk with your insurance agent. More and more insurance companies are putting good programs out at a reasonable price that actually do protect you. Keep your personal information confidential. Do not give credit card numberes out on line. Do not post your social security number anywhere. Keep your passwords to yourself. Good luck.
