Identity Theft: Stay Educated- Tip of the Week

Protect Your Social Security Number, Passport, and Bank Cards
Your Social Security Number may be more accessible than you think. It has in essence become a national identification number. It appears on a multitude of personal records such as employment, financial, medical, education records, etc. Due to this, it is very important for you to take simple precautions at home to help minimize the likelihood of someone stealing your identity.

Never carry your Social Security Card around with you (unless of course you need it for a particular purpose). In general it it highly unwise to carry your Social Security Card or anything that has your SSN written on it with or near you Driver's License or State Identification Card. It is more advisable that you memorize your SSN since you will often need it for identification purposes.

You should never use you SSN as part of a username or password especially in relation to online or computer based accounts you may have. Also, you should never divulge your SSN to telephone solicitors, or in a response to spam or phishing scam emails. Make sure that when you have to use your SSN, such as on job or apartment applications, you know who will have access to your information.

When you are not using your Social Security Card for a specific purpose it is best to have it locked up or in another secure area that only you can access. A safe of some sort is your best bet, you could even go with a combination lock box or one that has a sophisticated/difficult to compmramise lock. If you utilize a security measure such as this, it is also recommended that you put your passport in it as well and only take it out when you need it. Passports are used for international travel and identification so you definitely don't want this to get into the wrong hands.

You can also take this approach with your bank cards or credit cards, especially if you have more than a couple. If you carry all of your cards with you and your wallet/purse gets stolen then you have to go through the hassle of contacting all of the banks and credit card companies with which you have accounts. Carry  only the ones you need or that you know you're going to use that day, this will minimize your financial woes should your wallet get lost or stolen. If you are in this situation and you have taken this precaution you will still have access to your cards that were safely locked away which will make your ordeal a little more manageable.

For more information visit us at www.conroyassociates.com

Identity Theft: Stay Educated- Type 3

Social Security Identity Theft
Your social security card is perhaps the most valuable piece of information that a thief can obtain. Your Social Security Number is connected to many, if not all aspects of your life. Your SSN is connected to any jobs you have or have had, property you own, financial or credit information, medical records, education records, and any other identifying information. 

If an identity thief obtains your SSN they can use the information to gain the benefits you would receive that are associated with your social security number. These individuals can either assume your identity or create an alias fro themselves using your information. They can apply for jobs, file false tax information, apply for a new social security card (claiming it was lost or stolen), receive housing vouchers, medical/medicare benefits, and apply for other social security benefits which you worked hard for. 

Be aware of your information and who has access to it. The Social  Security Administration is a government agency, which means reversing the damage caused by this type of theft is a difficult and slow process. 

For more information visit us at www.conroyassoiates.com

Identity Theft: Stay Educated- Tip of the Week

Protect Your Data From Radio Frequency Theft
Your documents such as credit cards, passports, and other forms of identification may have tags which make them susceptible to theft using radio frequency (RFID). While not an incredibly common type of theft right now, it is a futuristic and technologically savvy crime.In other words, it has the potential to bring about a new age of pickpocketing.  A person equipped with radio frequency technology in a scanner or some other device may only need to pass by you on the sidewalk to obtain a multitude of your personal information. As technologies advance and the proximity to information becomes increasingly more prevalent, it is more important than ever to take steps toward protecting your data. 

We recommend you use (non-magnetic) metal lined wallets or invest in a protective shield for your cards to block this frequency from reading your information. 

For more information visit us at www.conroyassociates.com

Identity Theft: Stay Educated- Type 2

Drivers License Identity Theft
This is possibly the easiest form of identity theft to commit. People are often careless, or don't think about the manner in which they carry their purse or wallet making their belongings "easy pickins" for skilled-fingered thieves. It is also possible for the thieves to sell your ID cards in which case multiple unknown people could have access to your information. 

The information on your stolen driver's license provides your name, address, and date of birth, as well as a State driver's identity number. Thieves use this information to cause what will be a mammoth of a headache for you. These individuals can make extravagant purchases, apply for credit cards, apply for jobs, possibly use your identity as an alias, and throw your life into general disarray. 

Driver's Licenses or State ID cards also contain your address. In the event that a thief steals your identification card with the intention to gain entry into your home, you or your family could be in potential danger. If your ID is lost or stolen, take extra precautionary measure at your own discretion. 


WARNING FOR UNDER 21-YEAR-OLDS
Using a fake ID to get into bars and clubs seems like an alluring part of youth. I was under 21 not so long ago and I know it can be tempting, especially to use a real ID since it will scan. DO NOT do this! If you are caught trying to get into a 21-and-over establishment you may or may not be charged with identity theft, it really depends on the circumstances. 

For example, simply using the ID card to get into a bar isn't hurting the actual owner of the ID; however, let's say that person has an open tab there and you now have access to it. Using that person's tab to rack up drinks and letting them unknowingly float the bill will get you into trouble. Bouncers and bartenders have good memories for faces. 

Or on the flip side, lets say you get caught trying to get into somewhere using a fake ID and the bouncers or owners of the establishment decide to call the police. What if the police run the ID you're using and find out that the person who you're claiming to be has charges against them? Guess who is going to be in trouble. 

Bottom line, wait until you're 21 to go to 21-and-over places. It's really not so bad and the wait makes your 21st birthday more fun. 

For ore information visit us at www.conroyassociates.com

Identity Theft: Stay Educated- Theft Type & Tip 1

Medical Identity Theft
Known as "the information crime that can kill you" there are many risk factors related to being the victim of this type of theft. ID Thieves use your medical information to file false workers' compensation claims; have surgeries, including cosmetic surgeries, often to alter their appearances to avoid being recognized for previous crimes; to file for other Social Security benefits, such as phony disability claims and/or false medical liability claims, including insurance claims; and to have medical procedures done for legitimate health problems but you get stuck with the enormous hospital and doctor's bills. This can also be the most dangerous form of ID theft because your medical history can be compromised. Any information the thief gives about his/herself such as blood type, allergies, disease history, etc. can be life threatening should that information ever be confused with yours during an emergency. 

Unfortunately, this particular  crime is particularly difficult to remedy. There are often limited actions available to the victims to reverse the damage. 


Tip of the Day

• Read Then Act- Before signing any document you should always read it thoroughly first and understand completely exactly what terms you are agreeing to. Often people are unaware of who actually has access to their medical records, you should always know who will be able to view your private information before signing any disclosure forms. 

• Be Vocal- Try asking your doctor how you would go about viewing your medical history. Report any discrepancies or false information to your doctor and health insurance company.

Remember medical identity theft is dangerous and difficult to reverse. Taking some preventative measures is better than doing nothing at all. 

For more information visit- World Health Organization Publication and visit us at www.conroyassociates.com

Identity Theft: Stay Educated- Introduction

Just before Christmas I was having problems with my debit card which was extremely frustrating since I needed to buy gifts. When I contacted my bank they told me they froze my card due to suspicious charges. Apparently someone in North Carolina tried to use my card information for  a $200. purchase at Walmart. Thankfully my bank continuously monitors for unusual charges and stopped the transaction before I had to pay for someone else's Christmas bliss. My brush with identity theft was mild, but unfortunately many people aren't as lucky.

A report form Consumer Sentinel  Network Data Book for 2011 shows that from 2009-2011 there were approximately 328,984 incidents of identity theft with the number of incidents decreasing in 2010 by 10,000 and rocketing back up in 2011 by 18,000 incidents.

In a society where access to technology makes identity theft 4,000 times easier then when famous former fraudster Frank Abagnale Jr. was in his deceptive prime, the best defense is a strong offense. Over the next several weeks I'll post a type of identity theft and a tip of the week of what you can do to help prevent it.

Keep a look out!