Identity Theft: It’s a Numbers Game

Founder of the Identity Theft Resource Center, Linda Foley, understands the power of a specific number after her experience with identity theft 12 years ago. Foley signed a contract to do freelance writing and advertising work with a local San Diego magazine. Shortly after, she discovered that the magazine’s owner applied for a cell phone and credit cards using her information, making Foley one of many of the owner’s identity theft victims. In 1999, Foley formed the Center, a nonprofit organization that offers identity theft support and education to individuals and government agencies. Foley has become a national expert on identity theft and an advocate for victims.

 

Identity theft is one of the largest consumer complaint categories that the Federal Trade Commission receives, according to a 2008 report released by the Commission. The report showed that 7 percent of the complaints were made by individuals 19-years-old and under, and 24 percent by those aged 20 to 29-years-old. Foley spoke with 101 Magazine about what college students are often unaware of that puts them at risk for being victims of identity theft.

 

 

Linda Foley: The first thing students do is freely give up their Social Security numbers (SSNs). This is true for individuals of all ages. Generally, the number should be given out when someone is opening a new line of credit or for tax purposes. When asked for your SSN, there is nothing wrong with questioning the purpose. Ask: Why do you need it? Ask: If I don’t provide it will it make a difference? If the answer is no, then you don’t have to offer it. There are alternatives. Instead, you can create a password for an account. Or, at times I have given only the first four numbers of my SSN – this is for a reason. The first three numbers give the geographic location of where the number was generated similar to an area code. So, if someone was born in a small area, probably everyone from that area has the same first three numbers. The last four numbers are equivalent to a pin number; you don’t necessarily want to disclose them.

 

Students also put themselves at risk by not safeguarding their SSNs or any financial account information. Most students do not live by themselves and may for example, leave a bank account sheet out on a desk. Whoever walks pass can see it. I would like to say that roommates can always be trusted, but that is not the case. Banking information should be kept private. An option is to set up an online banking account. Keep laptops password protected and papers in a locked box.

 

 

LF: Well, on the surface it’s because they are in group settings. Beyond that, it’s because they haven’t been taught about identity theft – it’s not part of the curriculum anywhere. They must be aware that financial identity theft is only one form. There is what is called criminal identity theft. In some instances, someone can place the blame of a crime on another by knowing a birth date and address. For example, if someone is stopped for speeding, it’s easy for the driver to deny having a license on hand and just give the officer an address and birth date to write down that is someone else’s. Law enforcement is not as strict as it once was and sometimes allows this to happen.

 

Also, unfortunately students can be taken advantage of by relatives who use their SSNs without telling them.

 

 

LF: A lot of times students don’t completely recognize the power that a SSN carries. We are given them at birth and from that point, the window of opportunity to access them is open. Students need to check the activity on their credit reports on a consistent basis. When first applying for credit, students tend to automatically think they are being denied because they are new. But the denial could be a result of something on their credit report that they aren’t aware of.

 

With the growth in social networking sites, caution should be taken when creating accounts on sites like Facebook and Linkedin. Use privacy settings to try to do as much as you can to prohibit people from doing unwanted things to your profiles. Profiles are like billboards. If you need to provide personal contact information to someone send it through a personal email. Once something is on the Internet, it’s there virtually forever.

 

It is safe to search for jobs and to shop online. Be able to confirm that the jobs and products advertised are from legitimate sources. Be aware of text messaging, email and telephone scams.

                                                                                                                                        

LF: Identity theft is a crime of the information age that advances as technology advances. It’s not going to go away. Again, I stress the importance of password protection, not only for purposes of logging into your computer, but also for personal files – it’s double protection. Students need to keep reading about identity theft and be aware of computer security and the many scams. Someone can steal your identity today and not use it until next year.

 

LF: Victims call in with a range of emotions. They call in crying. They are furious, fearful or even in denial. Students wonder what they have that others want. Whatever the emotion, it is critical to contact someone who is knowledgeable to walk the victim through the process of getting help. There are free professional state services. Victims can get assistance from the FTC. ITRC is here to help as well. We are honored to help. It’s why we’re here. 

 

LF: Identity theft is not life threatening. You will be able to restore whatever problems the thief has created if you catch it early.

 

 

 

Identity theft victims can reach the ITRC hotline toll free at (888) 400-5530.

 

 Brittany Johnson is a student at Howard University.