June 14, 2002

Identity Theft, Don’t Let It Happen To You

In the course of a busy day, you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, or call home on a cell phone. Chances are you don’t give these transactions a second thought. But someone else may.

The 1990's spawned a new variety of crooks called identity thieves. Their stock in trade are your transactions and each transaction requires you to share personal information: bank name, social security number, credit card account numbers etc...

"Can you completely prevent identity theft from occurring? Probably not," says Debra Pankow, North Dakota State University Extension family economics specialist. "If someone is determined to commit the crime there is nothing anyone can do. But you can minimize the risk by managing you personal information wisely and with heightened sensitivity."

But despite some of your best efforts in managing your personal information, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your information.

• They steal wallets and purses containing personal identification
• The complete a change of address form to divert your mail to another location
• They rummage through your trash, or the trash of businesses for information
• They fraudulently obtain your credit report by posing as you
• They buy personal information from other people of businesses that have your personal information
• When applying or renewing your drivers license, ask if you can change your driver’s license number so that you do not have same one for a long period of time

"While you can’t prevent identity theft entirely, there are some ways you can minimize the risk of your personal information being stolen," says Pankow.

• Before you release any personal information, find out how the information will be used and whether it will be shared with others.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if your bills don’t arrive on time.
• Guard your mail from theft. Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.
• Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry.
• Do not give out personal information over the phone, through mail or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know who you are dealing with.
• Keep items with personal information in a safe place.
• Give your social security number only when it is necessary.

Sometimes an identity thief can strike even if you have been very careful about keeping your personal information to yourself. "If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen and is being use commit fraud, take immediate action and contact your local law enforcement agency and keep a record of your conversations and all correspondence," says Pankow.

If you are interested in how to prevent identity theft, contact your local extension agent or contact Debra Pankow at (701) 231-8593 for more details.

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Source: Debra Pankow, (701) 231-8593, dpankow@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Richard Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richhard.Mattern@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: JJ Camarillo, (701) 231-8371, jcamaril@ndsuext.nodak.edu