Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, and I'm constantly doing reports on this crime. That's why we recently held our Shred-it event where we shredded 98,000 pounds of paper in just four hours! Just another way we are trying to keep you safe.
While I do stories to help you protect yourself, I wanted to see how well the general public safeguards its information. So, we set up a raffle in a park near the Plaza and asked entrants for the basics and a few extras. We asked for name, phone number, address, email, and Social Security number. Several people asked about the social security number and questioned why we needed it -- but then they gave it to us. We were shocked at just how many people gave us the 9 identityfing numbers that could be used to steal their identity.
Our story shows that a lapse of judgment for just seconds -- is enough to make you a victim of identity theft. Just the simple lure of free amusement park tickets -- and our viewers made themselves vulnearble. Some people told us they trusted us -- trusted the name NBC Action News -- but I'll caution you NEVER to trust anyone. Luckily, they gave their Social Security number to a station committed to prevent idenity theft so all the entries were shredded.
Would you pass or would you fail? Think next time before giving your social security number to anyone! You need to safeguard it like you do the keys to your house.
Links....
FTC Identity Theft Site http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Identity Theft Resource Center http://www.idtheftcenter.org/
CFA Identity Theft Pamphlet... Download the PDF
Feel free to leave your thoughts....
Jenn.