Identity theft is a serious concern in today’s high-paced technical world. There are many Internet users worried about phishing schemes, bogus Web sites, and online credit card theft. Yet, a recent survey reports that identity theft is more often initiated from paper sources rather than the Internet. The 2005 Identity Fraud Survey sponsored by the Better Business Bureau, VISA, Wells Fargo and CheckFree Corporation, contradicts the common belief that most identity theft is performed online.
Ken Hunter, CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, reiterates the essence of the report. "Most instances of identity fraud occur through traditional channels and are paper-based, such as a lost or stolen wallet, a checkbook, credit card, a piece of mail. By making a few, simple changes, consumers can improve their identity safety and help protect themselves against this type of fraud." Hunter said that Internet users who watch their financial accounts online are often able to detect fraud earlier than those who rely the usual mailed monthly paper statements.
The report also sites that these crimes are more likely to be committed by someone you know rather than a stranger. So while you keep alert to online schemes, don’t get complacent about your everyday financial paper trail. Experts advise that you don’t carry your social security card or number in your wallet, that you shred any financial documents before trashing them, and that you carefully monitor incoming and outgoing paper mail.
Read my other articles for information about online identity theft scams and phishing scams that lure innocent Web surfers. Be Careful out there!
