YOUR Identity for Sale

I have known for years that identity theft is a huge problem in the United States and most other countries.  However, I was unaware that there are actually auctions held regularly where ID thieves bid for identities.  The auction will go something like this…

The room is filled with many people ready to bid.  The auctioneer will show a picture on a screen of a driver’s license, for instance.  Then, he’ll go on to say, “Mr. Jones has excellent credit, and we are offering all his vital records, including his license, social security and his health insurance card.  Let’s start out the bidding at $500…”  The winning bidder will then set out to destroy your life.

We are all aware that there are thieves hacking into computer records, stealing records from individuals, major corporations and even government data systems.  Did you also know that many of those thieves sell lists of stolen credit card numbers by the thousands, even by the millions, to other thieves?

There are websites called “carding sites” that buy and sell identities.  The Better Business Bureau, FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Trade Commission all are investigating and closing down organizations and websites, but the numbers are too huge for them to keep up with them.  Most law enforcement agencies today – from City Police to the FBI – have ID Theft prevention programs in place, but the “industry” is growing constantly.

The Identity Theft business is organized crime on an international scale.  There are even “carding” forums.    These carding sites sometimes offer tutorials to those who buy stolen personal information.  They are showing them how to make crime pay – and all at the victims’ expense.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted an undercover operation and finally shut down one organization that had trafficked in at least 1.5 million stolen credit card numbers, resulting in more than $4 million in losses to banks, financial institutions and credit card companies.

The ID theft problem is big, organized and out of control. Unfortunately, there is no way to totally protect yourself.  There are, however, steps to take that can defeat many scammers.  If you follow these steps, if (more likely, when) your identity is stolen, you can reduce the amount of damage to your credit.

Enter your credit card toll-free numbers in your cell phone contacts, and keep your phone with you.  Keep an eye out for data skimmers that crooks place on gas pumps, even on ATM machines. Don’t allow restaurant servers take your card out of your site.  Instead, go with the server wherever they process your card.  NEVER carry your Social Security card in your wallet!   

Treat every bit of personal information like gold, whether on the phone, in e-mails or postal mail.  Remember that thieves can establish a false identity, make illegal purchases with your credit cards, obtain medical treatment using YOUR health insurance, and empty your accounts.  It may seem paranoid, but it is necessary to be more than careful to protect your personal information today.

When applying for a job, do not provide your Social Security number to the employer!  Only when and if they hire you do they need it.  If your doctor or dentist office requests it, you need not provide it.  In these larcenous times, be sure that antivirus software and firewalls are installed on your computer and current at all times! 

In addition to these steps, be sure that you and your entire family have an identity theft protection plan.  That includes young children!  Oftentimes, when a child reaches 18 years of age and applies for their first credit card, they discover that years earlier their credit was destroyed by a thief.

There are many ID theft protection plans, but the best one available is LifeLock™. They offer a $1 million total service guarantee. Their TrueAddress™ program notifies you when a change of address is filed in your name. They offer WalletLock™ that assists you if your wallet is lost or stolen and their eRecon™ system searches for your information being sold or traded online.  Their members’ junk mail is drastically reduced and they’ll receive fewer pre-approved credit card solicitations.

If you join LifeLock™ through Xpress Healthcare, your entire family will be covered for only $19.95 per month!  Also, when your LifeLock™ membership is through Xpress, you’ll also receive discounted pet care, roadside assistance, free and reduced-cost legal services for you and your family at no additional cost.

It is unfortunate that identity theft is so out of control that we must take all these precautions.  But take them we must.  Protect yourself in every way possible, and please, enroll in LifeLock™ today.  http://ibourl.net/everydaysavings