It’s probably true to say that most people are much more aware of identity fraud today than they were in the past. After all, identity fraud is one of the most rapidly growing crimes in the USA and in many other developed nations.

According to a recently issued report by the Identity Theft Resource Centre, there are 5 key types of identity theft - and these are as listed below:

Commercial or business identity theft – in which the name or identity of another company is used to secure credit.

Criminal identity theft – where a false identity is assumed after being arrested for criminal activity.

Financial identity theft – the use of another person’s identity to obtain goods, services, arrange loans etc.

ID Cloning – where someone’s identity is assumed.

Medical identity theft – where someone’s personal data is used to fraudulently receive medical care, drugs or possibly to lodge an insurance claim.

All of these are extremely serious. The financial repercussions for individual victims of identity theft can be very serious indeed – and it can take a good deal of time for victims to clear their name and get their life back on the rails following identity fraud.

As an individual, there are a number of common sense steps you can take to minimise the risk of becoming an identity theft victim. Obviously you should keep your personal data secure. Don’t tell friends and family your PIN, your password for example – a high percentage of identity theft victims are known to the fraudster who steals their identity.

Also be very careful about how you broadcast your data. Anyone who works in an open plan office for instance should not be giving out their date of birth, mother’s maiden name or any other sensitive data over the telephone when workmates may be able to hear.

Shred your mail before you throw it out in the trash. So called “dumpster diving” is one of the most common ways which criminals obtain sensitive information. Criminals can use details found in junked mail to assume identities – unsolicited offers of credit cards or loans are a real goldmine for them.

Keep a note of the various numbers you need for cancelling your credit cards. These are printed on the reverse of your card of course – but when the card is lost or stolen do you know the number to call? The faster you act the less the damage will be.
Finally, use the web to your advantage – check your bank account and credit card statements online in real time. You will notice unapproved transactions more quickly and be able to minimise the damage by rapidly halting the criminal’s access to your funds.

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