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Part One of this series described the immense toll that identity theft takes on both the economy and especially on its victims. An explanation of the four kinds of ID Theft and the ways and means of illegally obtaining information were also described.

How to protect against identity theft

Protecting yours and your family’s information involves constant vigilance and a certain amount of online and electronic savvy in releasing information.

Because millions of consumers are especially vulnerable while shopping online, experts recommend installing both a firewall and reputable anti-virus protection that regularly updates, so that the computer is protected against the latest phishing and hacking schemes. The Identity Theft Resource Center likens remaining online without these safeguards to leaving your home unlocked with a “Welcome Thieves” banner hung across its front. When shopping online, consumers should use only Web sites that offer multiple encryption and protection features. Microsoft cautions online shoppers to use secure servers that feature a padlock icon on the browser’s lower right side and/or the “https” prefix in its address.

The FTC outlines its consumer defense strategy in a pamphlet called “Deter, Detect, Defend.” They recommend that consumers should remain vigilant concerning the arrival of their bills and watch for inconsistencies in credit card statements or financial histories. All credit card statements, as well as free credit card offers, should be shredded before getting thrown out. Social security cards and extra credit cards should not be carried in the wallet or purse. All personal information should likewise be stored in a hidden, secure location within the home. Personal information, including credit card numbers, should never be given over the phone. Mail should be retrieved as soon as possible from its box.

Consumers should also annually check their credit reports. Under federal law, the three major credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – must furnish one credit report each year to consumers who request them. Inconsistencies on the credit report will often point to instances of credit card theft or misuse. Consumers can request a report by writing to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

A free copy of the FTC’s “Deter, Detect, Defend” brochure, with many other protection tips, is available online at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt01.shtm.

What to do if you think you’re a victim

The Better Business Bureau reports that one of the leading misconceptions regarding identity theft is the public’s sense of helplessness. In truth, consumers detect just 47% - less than half – of identity theft and fraud themselves. The rest learn their identities were stolen by collection agencies, credit card companies, and even the police.

The FTC suggests that consumers who believe they may be a victim of identity theft should first contact one of the three credit bureaus and request a fraud alert be placed on their credit records. The alert is good for 90 days. Upon receiving a credit report, consumers should carefully review and audit their records to search for fraudulent expenses. Any accounts that have been tampered with or that are suspected of tampering should be closed immediately.

Consumers should then file a complaint with the FTC, either at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). The FTC will have them fill out an ID Theft Affidavit as a means of quickly reporting the identity theft to many different credit organizations.

Consumers should also file an Identity Theft Report with their local police, which can block fraudulent information from appearing on updated credit reports. They can also block agencies from attempting to collect debts resulting from the identity theft. Finally, the Identity Theft Report is necessary to place an extended fraud alert on credit reports. The Identity Theft Reports must contain specific information about the identity theft. Consumers should bring copies of the FTC’s Identity Theft Complaint and ID Theft Affidavit to the police office when filling out the report. The Department of Justice recommends contacting the following federal agencies as well:

- For mail tampering or theft, fill out and return the Postal Inspection Service’s fraud reporting form at http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/idtheft.aspx;

- The Internal Revue Service is available at 1-800-829-1040 for help with information related to identity theft and tax records;

- The Social Security Administration has an online form available at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/public_fraud_reporting/form.htm to help consumers whose Social Security card or number has been stolen or used in fraudulent activities.

Finally, victims can also contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at victims@idtheftcenter.org or by calling its Victim Assistance Center at (858) 693-7935. The ITRC will offer a variety of assistance and strategies for dealing with the theft and its fallout.

Michael Kabel is Senior Staff Writer for http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com.