How do thieves get personal information?

* By going through trashcans and looking for straight cut or unshredded papers.
* Stealing a person’s mail or wallet.
* Listening in on public conversations
* Fooling people into giving them information over the telephone or by email.
* Purchasing the information either on the Internet or from someone who has stolen it.
* Appropriating it from a loan or credit application form or from files at a hospital, bank, school or businesses people deal with. (They sometimes even get such information from dumpsters outside of such companies!)
* Stealing it from computers, especially those without firewalls.

Advice for businesses:

It is imperative that the business community acts now to implement and follow better information handling processes. The following areas need to be considered when measuring your information handling security:

* Information acquisition- Does the business need the information and, if so, is it acquiring it in a safe manner?

* Storage- What kind of computer security measures have been placed around the systems storing personal data? Such data should be considered highly classified and not given common access.

* Access- Who has access? Is the access it on a need to know basis and access audited? Is there password control over systems? Was a background check conducted on those having access to personal information of employees and customers? Do temporary employees have access to secure info?
* Disposal- Are electronic and paper documents containing personal information rendered unreadable prior to their disposal? What is in the dumpster? Keep in mind that dumpsters are literal treasure troves for identity thieves.
* Distribution - How is information handled? Do employees require a member of the public to repeat an SSN out loud where it can be overheard? Remember that public display, use and exchange of SSNs need to be reconsidered.

Other tips:

* Fraud and security alerts placed on credit reports must be honored. If a customer requests that they be called prior to opening a credit card, then do so.
* Businesses printing out cash register receipts have to make sure that credit card numbers are partially cut to help consumers avoid having their credit card information stolen.
* Any mail sent to the public should not include account information or SSN.

Tips for Consumers:

How can an individual prevent becoming an identity theft victim? While no one can completely prevent this from occurring, there are some positive steps to take which decreases the risk.

* Check credit reports once a year from all three of the credit reporting agencies listed below.
* Safeguard Social Security Number (SSN). Do this by never carrying your Social Security card with you.
* Never put a SSN or drivers license number on your checks.
* Protect your personal information. Never give your Social Security number to anyone unless they have a good reason for needing it.
* Be alert for people who may be trying to eavesdrop on information you give out orally.
* Papers thrown out should be carefully destroyed, especially papers which have identifying information. A crosscut paper shredder works best.

* Be suspicious of telephone solicitors. Unless you have initiated the call yourself, never provide any information.

* Delete without replying to any suspicious email requests.
* Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail.

If you would like more information regarding asset protection, trusts, family limited partnerships or the subject of this article please call or email our office.