Identity Theft: How Naked Are You?

People all around the world sign off on their personal information every day. Whether it is a credit card transaction, forms at an office or even checking out a library book, your personal information is not as personal as you may think.

“We’re not going to be able to ever stop identity theft,” Ester Horowitz, a Certified Identity Theft Specialist, said at a recent informational session at the . “That’s why awareness is key.”

Nearly 5 years ago Horowitz’s daughter had her wallet stolen while she was on her way home from Boston for Thanksgiving. Despite quickly canceling her credit cards and ordering another driver’s license, her identity was still stolen. To make matters worse, she did not even know.

Eighteen months after the incident, her mother received a phone call that her daughter had been “arrested for disturbing the peace and for possession of crack and cocaine.”

The irony is that her daughter was in New York getting ready to walk down the aisle on her wedding day. It was someone who used her identity in Massachusetts who got charged. The record of the arrest is still public and as a vocal instructor each time she meets with a new client she needs to take the time to explain the incident so she is not judged for a crime she did not commit.

During the discussion where Horowitz tries to educate adults about different ways their information is accessed and sometimes used, she joked that she brought along Pepto-Bismol in case anyone got sick. However, stealing someone’s identity can be quick, easy and many times people are unaware it has even been done.

“All you need is the person’s name and their birth date,” Horowitz explained. “There are too many people involved in the transmission of data whether it’s communicated verbally, electronically or written.”

There are many ways to compromise your identity even when you are doing something innocent. For instance, if your family or friend places a baby notice on their front lawn publicizing the new arrival, a thief can find that baby’s name simply by snooping in the mail. Horowitz says it is especially important to refrain from using your birth dates on social networking sites (i.e., Facebook and Twitter) when it may not be necessary. Another way to stay safe is by carefully looking over your credit cards at least once a month to keep track of all transactions.

By questioning people Horowitz says you can help slow down the likelihood of errors and attempts of fraud.

“Just because someone puts a piece of paper in front of you does not mean you have to sign it,” she said. “And believe it or not, the fine print on documents is very important and usually lists your rights as a patient or consumer. Try to find out if the writing says anything about how your data will be used and who has permission to access it.”

While it is unrealistic to stay home every day because of the “what if” factor, Horowitz said “if you pay close attention to what is in your control you can definitely be safer.”