| You may not be aware of the boom in the crime of | | | | People who are relatively new to the Internet and |
| identity theft but it is a crime that continues to increase, | | | | email do not realize that their bank or credit card |
| especially as many people become less careful with | | | | company would NEVER ask them to verify personal |
| their personal information and who they are willing to | | | | information online, yet thousands of people fall victim to |
| give it to. Just as an example, almost 8 million people | | | | email scams every year by doing so because the |
| were victims of identity theft of some form during | | | | email looks so "official". What they don't realize is that |
| 2006. | | | | almost any 12 year old worth his salt can create an |
| It is hard to understand why there is such a major | | | | "official looking" email that probably would look better |
| increase in this type of crime, which is a crime that | | | | than one the real bank or credit card company would |
| barely existed only 10 to 15 years ago. Yes, there | | | | send out themselves! |
| were fraud cases back at that time, but not nearly to | | | | Never give out your personal information, account |
| the extent nor the sophistication that today's identity | | | | information or PIN codes via an online form or to a |
| theft crimes display. | | | | telemarketer over the phone. Even if you don't have |
| Much of the reason, it must be assumed, is due to the | | | | doubts about the identity of the person calling, be |
| Internet boom and how there are literally millions more | | | | cautious anyway and YOU initiate the call to the bank |
| people online every day than there were several | | | | or credit card company so you know who you are |
| years ago. But this is NOT to say that the Internet or | | | | calling. |
| the information technology craze is a bad thing, not at | | | | Invest in a paper shredder, which are less than $40 at |
| all. What it does mean, however, that it is easier than | | | | almost any office supply store. And with those credit |
| ever for people to share personal information online. | | | | card offers you get in the mail every week? Shred |
| There is no personal interaction required to type | | | | them. If you are like most people and simply tear it in |
| information into a web form or via instant messenger | | | | half and throw it in the trash, this becomes gold for the |
| or via email, when in reality, you do not know for 100% | | | | identity thieves who regularly engage in "dumpster |
| sure exactly WHO is receiving the information you are | | | | diving" to piece back together such offers so they can |
| transmitting into cyberspace. You may THINK it's your | | | | steal your identity. |
| bank asking you to verify your information or this great | | | | Protect your identity and your personal information. It |
| new friend you met in a forum that teaches Sunday | | | | may be a bit more trouble than you are used to taking, |
| school, but do you really know? | | | | but if your identity is stolen, you will spend weeks, |
| For the most part, most consumers are unaware of | | | | month, and even years trying to get things straightened |
| what information they are NOT required to divulge. | | | | back out. |