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    The increase global connectedness as a result of the ongoing advance of technologies from the internet to instant banking via debit cards has also created a new category of crime unprecedented in history. Identity theft, enabled by the modern proliferation of personal information possessed by a variety of entities and the ubiquitous availability of technology, is one of the fastest growing non-violent crimes in the world. This reality is evidenced by recent large-scale thefts of personal information from banks, credit card companies, and government agencies.
    While identity theft is nearly impossible to prevent completely, it is very possible to reduce one’s risk to the point where it is extremely difficult. Such risk mitigation activities are inherently the responsibility of the individual, simply because of the fact that the agencies and organizations charged with protecting identity are among those from which identities are being stolen.
    The single most effective way to protect against identity theft is to be aware. Awareness means checking every bank, credit card, and financial account statement every month, whether it is available online or sent via the mail. It is recommended that all accounts are also tracked at least on a ledger, if not by using one of the several convenient programs for that purpose like Quicken. Such tracking, especially if daily transactions are regularly entered, will allow irregularities in account statements to be quickly identified. It is also recommended that such accounts are balanced periodically to ensure that the assumed balance and actual balance match. Also, check your credit reports regularly for unusual activity. Credit reports can be checked for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. If possible, stagger those free reports by four months.
    The next most effective way to protect against identity theft is to be wary. Wariness means shredding any documents that contain any personal information, but especially social security or account numbers, before those documents are thrown away or recycled. Wariness also means using unique usernames and strong passwords (whenever possible, create passwords using at least 1 capital letter, 1 lowercase letter, 1 number, and one non-letter character such as @, #, or $) on any websites dealing with personal information. In the same vein, be careful where personal information is disclosed. Websites that are not used to access personal or financial information that ask for social security or financial account numbers are always suspect.
    Finally, the last most effective way to protect against identity theft is to be ready. Being ready means assuming that your identity may be stolen, that accounts may be compromised, and that you may have to act. If possible, keep some money, especially money in cash accounts, in separate banks. Keep some cash on hand in case of an emergency (this is advisable as a general preparedness item). If it appears that identity theft has occurred, immediately notify the affected establishments, the police both locally and in the area where the establishments are located (e.g.: out of state banks or credit card companies). If the theft is financial in nature, notify the three major credit bureaus, and follow any of the applicable steps found at Consumer.gov.
    Identity theft is a threat, but it is a manageable threat if the proper precautions are taken and regularly followed. As more people follow these precautions, more identity thieves will be exposed, and the law enforcement against such crimes will become more effective.
DLH
