One of my blog readers asked for my opinion on the danger of being a subject of identity theft in the modern society. My initial position on the topic (before I started Internet digging) was complete problem rejection. I considered the related noise as a one more syndrome of the modern world paranoia. However, to my surprise, the Internet delivered significant amount of factual and statistical data proving the validation of the problem reality.

Identity Theft

Just two shocking cases:

1. A young teenager daughter is asking for mommy’s credit card information to order pizza for the party. Mommy posts this information on the social networking site, including expiration date and pin code verification number. Result is known - next day this data is used for purchasing food and gas in Australia.
2. On one of the employment related social networking sites, the guy has been offered a nice employment opportunity. To submit the application, he had to fill the very detailed form, where his social security number, credit card numbers, and bank account number were among the data supplied. The filled form was sent by email to the person, who promised to assist in getting the position, and submitter never asked, why employer needs information on his banking assets.

Identity Theft

There are clear cut issues that with high probability, will lead to the problems. But, before posting any personal information at all on the sites, where you cannot verify the security level, think twice. "Young people are not always aware of the risks when they post their detailed life history. Everyone using these sites should be careful to protect their identity and personal information," said Chris Ferguson, Director of Ontario’s Consumer Protection Branch. There are quick recommendations for the “virtual socializers”:

• Limit the personal information you give out online. Never share your passwords with anyone.
• Understand that information exchanged in chat rooms, bulletin boards and social network sites is not private.
• Before giving out your credit card number or other financial information, make sure the Internet browser is protected and secure.
• Install fire-wall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and security software, and keep it up to date.

"The Illinois Attorney General’s office released the top 10 consumer complaints of last year, and the top one was identity theft," said communications Professor Steve Jones. "Sites like MySpace and Facebook can be used to steal your identity if you use accurate information about yourself. It’s become commonplace for people who have been committing identity theft to look at MySpace and Facebook to get information."

The best way to keep away from troubles is to avoid giving any information at the non-certified places in terms of the data security. However, it might not be always possible. The method of not purchasing online or not using credit cards is quite effective, but it is so inconvenient that I would not even consider that as solution.

As always, Internet will assist us in the troubles prevention. FreeIDENTITYprotect (http://www.freeidentityprotect.com/free.php) provides registered users with the ability to proactively protect them from identity theft. The project puts together at one place all identity management tools, freely available online for your use and does not charge for that. This service provides access to the leading protection services from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the Direct Marketing Association, and the National Credit Reporting Agencies. It includes contact to free credit reports from all three credit bureaus, credit bureau fraud alerts, credit card offer reduction, National Do-Not-Call List access and a junk email reduction service. Consumers are provided with step-by-step instructions, instructional videos, and alerts for obtaining their next free credit report and for re-registering for a fraud alert.

The reason for the free assistance is to promote the premium and billable advanced security solution on their site. The premium upgrade monitors the Internet black market for compromised personal information, and alerts the consumer if their personal information such as credit card and social security numbers are found. This will enable consumers to proactively take action and help prevent an identity thief from using their good credit. It also provides a $1 million service guarantee, $25,000 of identity theft insurance, and access to identity theft specialists to help consumers restore their good credit and name should an identity theft occur.

Sources and Additional Reading:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2008/02/c9416.html

http://media.www.chicagoflame.com/media/storage/paper519/news/2008/03/31/Features/Identity.Theft.On.Networking.Sites-3290744.shtml

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/04/prweb825384.htm