According www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-019,
you can be a victim of identity theft even if you never use a computer.
Malicious people may be able to obtain personal information (such as credit
card numbers, phone numbers, account numbers, and addresses) by stealing your
wallet, overhearing a phone conversation, rummaging through your trash (a
practice known as dumpster diving), or picking up a receipt at a restaurant
that has your account number on it. If a thief has enough information, he or
she may be able to impersonate you to purchase items, open new accounts, or
apply for loans.
The internet has made it easier for thieves to obtain
personal and financial data. Most companies and other institutions store
information about their clients in databases; if a thief can access that
database, he or she can obtain information about many people at once rather
than focus on one person at a time. The internet has also made it easier for
thieves to sell or trade the information, making it more difficult for law
enforcement to identify and apprehend the criminals.
How are victims of online identity theft chosen?
Identity theft is usually a crime of opportunity, so you may
be victimized simply because your information is available. Thieves may target
customers of certain companies for a variety of reasons; for example, a company
database is easily accessible, the demographics of the customers are appealing,
or there is a market for specific information. If your information is stored in
a database that is compromised, you may become a victim of identity theft.
These are few ways to minimize your
risk:
• Always do
businesses with reputable companies:
before providing any personal or financial information, make sure that
you are interacting with a reputable, established company. Some attackers may
try to trick you by creating malicious web sites that appear to be legitimate,
so you should verify the legitimacy before supplying any information
• Take advantage
of security features - Passwords and other security features add layers
of protection if used appropriately.
• Check privacy
policies: Take precautions when providing information, and make sure to
check published privacy policies to see how a company will use or distribute
your information. Many companies allow customers to request that their
information not be shared with other companies; you should be able to locate
the details in your account literature or by contacting the company directly.
• Be careful what
information you publicize: attackers may be able to piece together
information from a variety of sources. Avoid posting personal data in public forums.
• Use and maintain
anti-virus software and a firewall: protect yourself against viruses
and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your own computer and
leave you vulnerable by using anti-virus software and a firewall Make sure to
keep your virus definitions up to date.
• Be aware of your
account activity: pay attention to your statements, and check your
credit report yearly. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report
from each of the main credit reporting companies once every twelve months.
Note:
Individuals, be very careful in the way you intend to disposed
your personal information and dropping your personal data. There might be
dumpster divers in places just waiting for the opportunity to arrive.
Use the hints that are given above to help protect your data
and be safe from identity theft.
