Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft has affected untold thousands of people in the United States in recent years, and, with the advent of new technology, it has become even easier for criminals to steal someone’s financial information and use it with virtual impunity.

Much has been done legislatively to address this vital issue at both the state and federal levels.  A provision of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows consumers to have fraud alerts placed in their credit files.  In addition, the FCRA allows for victims of identity theft to block information resulting from an identity theft from their credit reports.

In addition to the federal laws protecting consumers from identity theft, most states have their own laws that further protect consumers.  Prior to the enactment of the FCRA, Idaho enacted its own law allowing the victims of identity theft to place fraud alerts on their credit reports and have information resulting from the alleged theft blocked from their credit reports.  I applaud the forward thinking of the Idaho state officials in dealing with this important issue.

There are also steps that we can individually take to help protect our personal information from being stolen and used by criminals.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented a national education campaign called AvoID Theft:  Deter, Detect, Defend.  Here are some suggestions from the FTC for safeguarding your personal information:

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
• Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

 

The FTC has created a brochure that lists more steps that you can take to protect your personal information, properly monitor your financial accounts and billing statements, and defend against ID theft. 

Rest assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that all victims of identity theft are able to regain their good name quickly and without injury and that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.

Useful Links

Federal Trade Commission

On Guard Online

Idaho Department of Finance

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