Preventing Identity Theft

While this concern is an ongoing and sort of constant one, every once in a while it makes the news and everybody pays a little more attention to it. Clearly, this is an important aspect of modern life and the need to avoid somebody else being you. There are a few tried and true steps and procedures you should employ to protect yourself as much as possible from the possibility of identity theft. Consider:

• Perhaps the most obvious, and the one that should be paramount in your mind, people playing tricks on you. Do not click on emails or links on your computer from any unknown source. If you are not sure, and you don’t have an outside tech expert, delete it. Along those lines, never provide your personal information to any unsolicited request. You are under no obligation to provide anybody with information unless it is part of a process you voluntarily joined (or if this is a legal issue – in which case check with your nearest criminal attorney). And along those same lines, do not reply to unsolicited emails.

• Keep a tight control on a variety of documents. We’re talking here things like bank accounts; any statement that has, for instance, your date of birth or Social Security number and the like. Do not leave them laying around (other than your own house – usually okay). Also, make good use of a shredding machine, and make sure it is a good shredder (micro cut or cross cut or something like that) – not the one that was used in the US Embassy in the movie Argo.

• I hate the constant demand for the use of passwords as much as anyone else (as much as you). However, there is almost no way to avoid them if you’re doing anything online. Thus, you must use strong passwords – there are any number of ways to come up with some interesting and special passwords. And they always tell you, a phrase that many men can associate with, the longer the better. Use a variety of passwords – or pass phrases. Consider using one of those password management programs. And finally, especially if you don’t use a password management program (and frankly even if you do), you need to keep a list of your passwords somewhere. I know this may sound counterintuitive, but frankly, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned handwritten list kept somewhere.

• Being protective of various personal information such as your SS number. That’s a biggie, and entry to a lot of stuff that’s out there. Do not provide it to anyone unless you know and are satisfied that there is a legitimate reason. Even when you think it might be a legitimate reason, stop and give it a second thought. For instance, I personally have experienced this – do you really need to provide your SS number to a doctor’s personnel (who knows how many people are going to see it), particularly when you don’t have that type of medical coverage. In such a situation, explain to me why they need your SS number. I’ve had at least one occasion where I refused to provide it, they refused to provide me service, and we agreed – I walked out.

Obviously, it’s important to protect your personal identity. After all, you don’t want to wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and not recognize who it is. Or, have someone standing behind you who looks just like you.

Any questions contact Kal Barson at kal@barsongroup.com.