What you need to know about identity theft

By Jennifer Palmberg
The Collegian

Identity theft has become a major concern in the United States and even around the world. According to the Ferderal Trade Commission, California has the highest percentage of identity theft related crimes by double the amount of the second highest state (New York). And the minute you establish credit you can become a victim. But how likely are you to become a victim and how can you protect against it?

FTC statistics show identity theft is declining. And unlike most credit card companies lead you to believe, only about 12 percent of all identity theft cases involve the Internet, while 68 percent is committed offline.

The most common ways that thieves get a hold of your information is by finding or stealing your wallet or get hold of your checkbook or bank statements.

Most of the crooks don’t even care about the little cash you have on you. Some don’t even care about your credit cards, because lets face it, they’re easy to cancel.

The FTC states that what they’re looking for is your actual driver’s license. With a significant chunk of your personal information they can sell your identity to other crooks or use your information themselves.

Your information can be used to call a big service company like PG&E or Comcast and change your mailing address. Once they get a bill with your name to the alternate address they’ll use it to apply for a credit card under your name,the FTC reported.

It could be months before you realize what is happening. All of the credit card bills will be mailed to the alternate address and the bank will switch you to a collection agency for not paying them. This may have a negative effect on your credit.

Protecting yourself from identity theft is easier than most people think. Simple things like keeping your ID safely in your wallet rather than in your pocket, making sure your purse or wallet is secure, and remembering to change your mailing address when you move can save you a lot of hassle.

If you have roommates that have strange company over or even just untrustworthy roommates, keep your bank statements and anything containing personal information safely locked away when you’re not home.

And always remember to call your bank immediately after discovering your wallet or credit card are missing.