Touched By Identity Theft

Someone you and I both know has been affected by "Identity Theft."  Identity theft is when someone steals your identification. It can be your social security number, your address and something as simple as your name.  It is important to be mindful that your home is a breeding ground for thieves. Thieves watch our homes, notice our schedules and know who all reside in the home.

Just as you get up everyday to start your day's routine, so does the neighborhood crook. We'd like to think the "Bad Guy" lives on the other side of town away from the safety of our homes but, he or she really doesn't. Identity thieves are as close as your easy-boy chair. Meaning the thief is usually looming somewhere really close.

Msn(dot)com suggests there are at least 8 signs that you and I know may know an identity thief. There's the,

1. Addicted Friend or Family Member.
2. The Rationalization Friend or Family Member; someone else did it or it's not MY fault..
3. The High-End or High-living Deadbeat; embezzlers, identity thieves and con artist.
4. The Impulsive, "Gotta have it now Personality. Usually addictive type personality.
5. Nosy overly inquisitive Friend. Demonstrates a need to know All of your business. Needs access to your personal information for some reason or another.
6. The Bitter Ex or Grudge Holding Ex.
7. The Repeat Offender. They usually know the chances of getting caught and knowing that Loved ones and friends are least likely to prosecute.
8. The Close Stranger or Stranger with Access.

As one can see, we are exposed to many opportunities to be taken by identity fraud. Identity fraud or identity theft is not easily profiled as employed in other areas of criminal misconduct. This area of crime is not Prejudices against anyone!! The criminal doesn't discriminate against relatives, friends, men, women or children. Crimes against children are growing when it comes to identity theft.

Trust can be a major player but, it is not exclusive. Close strangers may sift through your belongings or your trash. Close strangers may handle your mortgage file. A close stranger may be the plumber, the "Friend" of the family, the cleaning service or the exterminator. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Protection and prevention are key.

Embrace the concept of trusting "No-One" when it comes to your lively-hood.  A friend with your keyword today is, your Enemy with your password Tommorrow!!  That world-wind romance is hot and steamy tonight, tommorrow may yield a Bitter Ex-Lover looking for Revenges. That beautiful child you have raised has morphed from a "Honer-Roll" student to a fallen "Drug Addict."  As you see, just about anyone can be your local identity thief.

Prevention is always the best cure. In the case of identity theft and fraud, I realize safe guarding precious credentials such as personal information can be more challenging. The way I look at it is, just because you can't necessarily prevent smokers from smoking around you, doesn't mean you should just throw in the towel and leap into a crowd of smoke at every instance.

Work diligently to prevent identity theft and identity fraud. Be mindful not to share passwords with anyone. Don't write down passwords and sensitive information down. If you must write it down or electronically store it in a safe place that requires a password.

Physical sensitive information should be put away in a safe, discreet manner. Otherwise proper disposal should be employed. Credit card offers and such should be torn as to destroy pertinent information. I like to put the messiest garbage on top such as discarded sauces, coffee grinds or just about anything messy. If you own a document shredder, please use it.

Being touched by identity theft is not fun!!  Be mindful to take the time to safeguard your credentials, your "Life."