Identity Theft Protection Starts with You
We live in a world in which the public's need for information security and Identity Theft safeguards is constantly expanding and evolving in an attempt to keep pace with new threats.
Only a few years ago, most consumers had never heard of ChoicePoint, credit monitoring was still a fledgling service offering, and data breach was a term used primarily by computer security experts and IT personnel. Today, millions of consumers regularly review their credit reports, shredder sales have reached record levels, and Phishing, Pharming, spyware, and skimming are everyday terms.
Identity Theft cannot be prevented, but the risks can be managed. In the Information Age, any consumer who assumes a reactionary posture of "I'll worry about it if it happens to me" is simply waiting to be victimized. Risk management and victim reduction beforehand is far more preferable to victim assistance after the fact.
The crime continues to proliferate because many consumers still have little concept of how incredibly simple and easy it is for thieves to obtain their personal information and steal their identity. A scam artists' worst enemy is the informed consumer, and proper consumer education and proactive personal risk management are the only effective means to minimize the risks of Identity Theft.
There are many aspects of Identity Theft and fraud risk management that an informed consumer can and should perform on their own. However, as in the case of data breaches and information theft or compromise, there are also many risks that are beyond their direct ability to control. Even in these situations, however, knowing the precautions and proper actions to take can significantly reduce the potential damage that may be caused. Once your personal information is stolen, constant vigilance is required.
Consumers must be empowered with the knowledge to take responsibility for their own protection
Thieves take advantage of consumer haste, carelessness, and lack of awareness. As a consumer, you must learn to slow down, remain vigilant, and be security-conscious at all times. Knowledge of the scams and tactics used by thieves is essential in order to avoid becoming their next victim. Good record keeping, frequent review of statements and credit reports, and an informed approach to securing and disposing of personal information are also critically important, as is taking action to minimize the sharing and distribution of your personal information to the maximum extent possible.
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in your risk management arsenal. Some of the general Identity Theft services discussed in this website may also be incorporated into your overall risk management plan, but should never be solely relied upon. In the simplest of terms, if you do not take care to protect yourself, no one else can protect you either.
©Copyright 2008 by FRAUDFacts, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, copying, or distribution without permission is prohibited. Article written by Michael Barnett, CITRMS