Introduction
Identity Theft - Separating Fact From Fiction
Your identity should be your most prized possession. Who you are as a person is unique to you. Back when communities were small, people were personally recognized. A person’s physical appearance was a big part of their identity. It was also a time when your name was your reputation.
As populations expanded, our identity was authenticated more by documents (such as birth certificates, drivers’ licenses, etc.) than appearance.
Today, our documents are ultimate proof of who we are. In identity theft crime rings, documents are easily altered - your date of birth, driver’s license #, and other true facts merge with the thief’s personal appearance facts and picture. What does that mean for you? You and your real identity can disappear in the blink of an eye. Technology makes forging documents and adulterating identities as easy as owning a computer and printer.
Most people have been educated to think of identity theft as just a financial issue - an issue that the banks will help you resolve. If that is your belief, you are literally playing Russian-Roulette with your identity.
In reality there are at least 5 major areas of identity theft. Do you know what they are? Not knowing one of the areas could be life threatening.
Identity Theft is Not New
Identity Theft has been stalking Americans for decades. As far back as 1999, it was growing large enough for federal lawmakers to set down very specific laws concerning ID theft, classifying it as a crime, with specific attached penalties.
Even though there are many ads on TV, and many news articles on specific incidents with identity theft, it still is a very misunderstood subject and people in general are misinformed.
Identity theft is so broad, it is very easy to become overwhelmed and fearful. One psychological study concerning consumer buying concludes people feel better when they know less about a subject, because it is easier to engage in wishful thinking. (This is a very interesting report, which will be covered in a later post)
The problem is - no amount of fear is going to protect your identity. The facts reveal identity theft affects almost 10,000,000 people a year. The Federal Trade Commission which oversees identity theft estimates it takes about 600 prime daytime hours, and $1500 to repair the damage if your identity is stolen. And that does not include missed salary from taking time off work. Contrary to TV commercials, repairing your identity is not a simple call to your bank.
So, the purpose of Identity Theft Risks Exposed is to provide focused education on identity theft. When you see a more complete picture, and understand how stolen identities are used, you can make better choices that put you less at risk.
The good news is - you will learn common sense strategies to safeguard your identity while shopping, traveling, surfing the internet, etc. You will also gain knowledge of what is beyond your control, and what you can do to lessen the worry and give you peace of mind.
What will be covered
- Exactly what is identity theft?
- Understanding categories of ID theft which are even more devastating than financial identity theft.
- Debunking the most common identity theft myths
- Daily common sense practices to safeguard your identity in your immediate, controllable environment
- What you can control in safeguarding your identity and what is totally beyond your control.
After examining the many faces of identity theft, you will be better armed to deal with what is labeled as the fastest growing crime in the United States, claiming close to 10,000,000 victims yearly.
