Nobody is immune to identity theft, so reduce your risk

Identity theft is a crime which is on the rise. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the U.S., more than 10 million people experienced identity theft in 2005. I recently was at a workshop led by Marilyn Bischoff, Extension family economics specialist at the University of Idaho, Boise. She stated that nearly 30 million people have been affected by identity theft in the last five years.

As one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S., Bischoff said that identity theft typically occurs when someone uses another person's personal information. Such theft may include obtaining cash, credit, or a loan using another~s identity.

Accessing others~ personal information can occur if a wallet or purse is stolen. Credit card information can be copied or stolen during a transaction or other everyday activities such as employment or contract services such as a hospital stay or school enrollment. Personal information might be stolen during a robbery or in-home service call.

Some identity thieves are successful in using random Social Security numbers; others may dive into dumpsters for trash or steal mail, Bischoff said. About half of those who steal another~s identity know the victims of their theft.

Identity thieves may use others~ information to sign checks or make withdrawals from financial accounts; obtain credit cards; set up utility or other services, apply for employment or access Social Security benefits. Victims of identity theft may be denied employment or turned down for services such as a telephone, utility or a loan, said Bischoff, who offered tips for reducing the risk of identity theft:

* Memorize your Social Security number, but don~t use it as an identification number on bank checks, insurance or other cards.

* Ask questions. If - or when - asked to provide your Social Security number, ask: How will this number be used? How will this number be protected? And, is giving my Social Security number necessary?

* Add passwords to credit and debit cards, bank accounts and phone or online accounts. Also, be creative when choosing a password. Using a maiden name, birth date, last four digits of a Social Security or telephone number, street address or postal ZIP code is not recommended.

* Add a photo ID to credit and debit cards.

* Protect credit cards and checks from others' view. Be aware if someone is standing very close or could be looking over your shoulder as you make a transaction. Camera cell phones can also be used by someone to record your personal information. Be sure to total receipts, rather than leaving empty spaces that can be filled in after you have completed a transaction.

* Hang on to receipts, rather than putting them in a bag with a purchase. Use them to verify the accuracy of your bill.

* Shred bills and other personal information before disposal.

* Don~t share personal information over the telephone, through the mail or via the Internet unless you initiated the call and know why a business or service needs the information.

* Evaluate offers of a free prize, trip or potential windfall that require personal information to be eligible.

* Remove personal information and identification from a purse, pockets in clothing, or electronics such as a computer, before discarding them.

For information on other consumer topics, call the Bourbon County Extension office at 223-3720, or stop by our office on first floor of the courthouse.