Mike
Carruthers:
If
you're not worried about identity theft, you should be.
Sean Gallagher:
In 2005 they reported about 183 million dollars worth
of fraud associated with identity theft - and that's up about
169% compared to the previous year - so, it's certainly on an
increase.
Secret Service
Agent Sean Gallagher, who is the resident agent in charge of
the New Haven office, says identity thieves are looking for;
your name, your social security number, your date of birth and
some existing account number - so really protect those things.
I would never
put my social security number on a personal check, there's no
reason for that. Do not carry your social security card. The
other thing is to shred your personal and financial information.
Anytime someone
asks for your social security number, Agent Gallagher says think
about whether they really need it or not.
Recently I was
at my doctor's office and filling out the form and they wanted
my date of birth and they wanted my social security number and
I questioned why do you need my social security number - so,
I did not provide that information.
Agent Gallagher
recommends you check your credit report at least once a year
to make sure there's no suspicious activity. And it's assumed
that senior citizens are the most targeted group for identity
theft, however…
The statistics
are showing that it's actually the group from 18- 29,
young adults - they are the leading victims - and the same thing
happened in 2004.
At somethingyoushouldknow.net
I'm Mike Carruthers and that's Something You Should Know.
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