Over the last year or so on and off, there has been numerous cases reported in the press about companies loosing data. In thinking about data, what does it actually mean to have it lost? A report recently on identity theft has produced some interesting results:
Credit Card fraud (26%): Credit card fraud can occur when someone acquires your credit card number and uses it to make a purchase.
Utilities fraud (18%): Utilities are opened using the name of a child or someone who does not live at the residence. Parents desperate for water, gas, and electricity will use their child’s clean credit report to be approved for utilities.
Bank fraud (17%): There are many forms of bank fraud, including check theft, changing the amount on a check, and ATM pass code theft.
Employment fraud (12%): Employment fraud occurs when someone without a valid Social Security number borrows someone else’s to obtain a job.
Loan fraud (5%): Loan fraud occurs when someone applies for a loan in your name. This can occur even if the Social Security number does not match the name exactly.
Government fraud (9%): This type of fraud includes tax, Social Security, and driver license fraud.
Other (13%)
The above figures where sourced from http://www.spendonlife.com/guide/2009-identity-theft-statistics
The question that I always ask myself, is what can we do better? I am aware of a relative who wrote their pin on their credit card, when I mentioned it to them about the security issues, they did not believe it was an issue, hopefully this will not result in an argument with the credit card company if the card is stolen!
Now that you know the facts about identity theft, here's how you can help prevent it from happening to you:
-- Report lost or stolen credit or debit cards as soon as possible.
-- Never give out personal information over the phone.
-- Check your bills and bank statements as soon as you receive them to check for any discrepancies.
-- Don't use "pre-approved" offers.
-- Don't carry your social security card in your wallet.
-- Don't go to the ATM at night and never withdraw money when someone is looking over your shoulder.
-- Keep personal information locked up at home.
Have you become a victim of identity theft, leave a comment and let us know your story.
the www.Productful.com Team.
