Better Business Bureau News: Test your risk level for identity theft
The next few weeks, I’d like to give you information on identity theft. This is a serious topic everyone needs to be familiar with (if you aren’t already).
Identity theft is when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number of some other piece of your personal information to apply for a credit card, make unauthorized purchases, gain access to your bank accounts or obtain loans under your name.
Some people believe identity theft is a crime that only happens to others. But are you vulnerable? To find out, take this quick quiz:
Identity theft at-risk test
__ I receive several offers of pre-approved credit every week. (5 points)
__ Add 5 points if you do not shred them before putting them in the trash.
__ I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (10 points)
__ My driver’s license has my SSN printed on it, and I have not contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to request it be removed. (10 points)
__ I do not have a P.O. Box or a locked, secured mailbox. (5 points)
__ I use an unlocked, open box at work or at my home to drop off my outgoing mail. (10 points)
__ I carry my military ID in my wallet at all times. (10 points)
__ I do not shred or tear banking and credit information when I throw it in the trash. (10 points)
__ I provide my Social Security number (SSN) whenever asked, without asking questions as to how that information will be safeguarded. (10 points)
__ Add 5 points if you provide it orally without checking to see who might be listening.
__ I am required to use my SSN at work as an employee ID or at college as a student ID number. (5 points)
__ My SSN is printed on my employee badge I wear at work or in public. Or it is posted on my timecard in full view of others, or is on other documents frequently seen by many others at my workplace. (10 points)
__ I have my SSN and/or driver’s license number printed on my personal checks. (10 points)
__ I am listed in a “Who’s Who” guide. (5 points)
__ I carry my insurance card in my wallet and either my SSN or that of my spouse is the ID number. (10 points)
__ I have not ordered a copy of my credit reports for at least two years. (20 points)
__ I do not believe people would root around in my trash looking for credit or financial information. (10 points)
Each of these questions represents a possible avenue for identity theft.
100+ points – Recent surveys indicate 7 to 10 million people were victims of ID theft last year. You are at high risk. We recommend you purchase a paper shredder, become more security-aware in document handling, and start to question why people need your personal data.
50 – 100 points – Your odds of being victimized are about average. Higher if you have good credit.
0 – 50 points – Congratulations. Keep up the good work and don’t let your guard down now.
If you would like more information on how you can reduce your risk of identity theft, please contact your local BBB at (615) 867-0032 during regular office hours or e-mail us at [email protected].