Much has been said regarding personal identity theft. Even more has been written with respect to the devastating consequences that personal identity theft can have on one’s own livelihood and economic health; even mental health if one considers the fact that one’s own “digital persona” is now embodied in that of another. This “digital persona” has the potential, both literally and figuratively, to steal not only one’s financial resources (Bank Accounts, Credit Cards) but also one’s “identity” in the cyber-world that controls one’s access to health care (Medicare, Medicaid), earned benefits (Veteran’s Assistance and Programs, Social Security) and even employment opportunities (or loss of present employment).
What to do? What’s next? How do I respond? Moreover, how do I mitigate the risk from this ever happening to me in the first place?
Before I begin, allow me to quantify my remarks. I recently “lost” a piece of critical personal identification while proceeding through a routine TSA check point at a major regional airport. Unfortunately (for me), the ID contained my social security number as well as my birth date. The two most centric pieces of data to one’s personal identity. My initial response was not what I could call the most efficient or even “pre-planned.” It was sheet panic over the magnitude of the loss and the knowledge of what “could be.” It was my personal Armageddon. Upfront and personal. Fortunately, the four hour plane ride that followed allowed me to focus on my next step(s).
What to do if you find or even suspect that personal information has been compromised. First and foremost, assume the worst. Then act. Go on the offensive and take charge of your counter attack. The following are the “what next’s.” By acting you’ve already begun the initial response.
1. Notify ALL of your financial institutions IMMEDIATELY that you suspect that your personal information has been compromised. From your credit card companies to the banks where you maintain accounts. LET THEM KNOW specifically what information has been stolen or lost (e.g. SSN, Birth date, Account number(s), security codes). This should be done as soon as you can get a dial tone!
2. Call the Social Security Office at: 1-800-772-1213 or access their web site at http://www.socialsecurity.gov . Report your circumstance, particularly if your SSN has been compromised.
3. Visit the Federal Trade Commission website http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm for information on how to post a fraud alert and, once reported, obtain a Fraud Alert Confirmation number.
4. Through the FTC and/or on your own, notify one of the three major credit monitoring agencies ( e.g. Equi Fax at 1800-525-6285)of a potential fraud. They will track any activity under you personal identity (Social Security number).
That all said (and beside the issue of losing your data in the first place), the following are steps to hedge and or mitigate the risk to personal identity compromise:
1. Have a plan in advance where all of your key contact data (banks, credit card companies, creditors etc) is both secure and readily accessible. A product such as CIRCUMSPEX ( https://www.circumspex.com ) is the ideal platform in which to launch and store a personal identity theft/compromise plan and all contact data.
2. Properly secure all data. Minimize the amount of personal “data” that is on your person day to day. Examine that data such that you are continually aware of what you have in your back pocket. Always ask the question: “what is my exposure should I lose and/or have my wallet/purse stolen/misplaced?” Carry one piece of personal identification and, preferably, one that doesn’t include your SSN and birth date. Keep in mind what is on your personal computer/laptop and keep them “clean” to minimize exposure should they become lost or stolen.
3. Destroy (SHRED) all correspondence that contains any information relative to account data (all accounts e.g. phone and utility bills, banking, credit cards) prior to disposing.
4. When presenting personal identification for official purposes (Transportation Safety Authority screenings, banks, store check cashing etc), maintain a deliberate mental focus on how/where/who has their hands on that ID. Be deliberate in its return to you and its SAFE STORAGE on your person. Never mind the impatient person behind you. They can wait. Your personal security AND, moreover, piece of mind, cannot!
Don’t let happen to you what happened to me. Be ready. Be prepared. Be prepared to take charge of a personal identity theft counter-attack should the worst occur!
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