Wellness Journalism: In Case of Stolen Identity

It’s a pity—but many people turn to fraud in order to make their killing. In the past, bandits in black had to crawl through the window to empty your wallet or steal your diamonds. Today, however, in the virtual monetary system on-line, money-snatchers have a whole new bag of tricks: they’ll steal your identity. In fact, nine million American identities are stolen every year!

S.O.P.’s (Standard Operating Procedures—one of my new favorite acronyms) OF IDENTITY PROTECTION:

• Don’t give anyone your Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers unless you know the source and/or have initiated the contact. It doesn’t matter how good looking they are. Also, avoid giving personal information over unsecured telephone lines (such as a cell phone).
• Don't throw away papers that have important account or financial numbers listed on them without first tearing them up into tiny, confetti-sized pieces.
• Keep your credit card and ATM receipts in a safe place until you've paid the credit card bill or balanced your checkbook. The backseat of your car does not qualify.
• Don't leave bill payment envelopes in a home mailbox; these can be opened by any Tom, Dick, or Harry, or Jane. Go around the corner and put your envelopes in the blue postal mailbox instead.
• Don't send your credit card number over the Internet unless you are sure the website is secured and your computer is protected by anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, and other security software. Seriously. Keep your security software updated.
• Don't get hooked by "phishing." On a regular basis, I have the pleasure of deleting emails from various personages informing me that “my funds have been deposited” or “my request has been approved” in some mystery transaction. While it’s exciting to receive news that I am getting money, if it isn’t from the Financial Aid office or the US Treasury, I don’t want it.
• Recognize the signs. If that 45-minute phone call to Shanghai or that $260 dollar purchase at Foot Locker isn’t yours (check your closet to make sure), suspect fraud. Review your bills, credit report, and statements on a regular basis for accuracy.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately. You have the right, and the responsibility, to protect your identity from unauthorized use.

A final word. When you've been patronizing an establishment, and are preparing yourself to leave, make sure you have your ID card and/or credit cards. Be especially conscientious if your patronage has included beverages of an alcoholic nature. It's one thing for someone to spend twelve hours scotch-taping your credit card statement back together and entirely another for you to simply frolick away, leaving your card at the bar.