Identity Theft Is One Of The Fastest Growing Crimes In America. Could You Become A Victim?

KAYSVILLE, Utah, June 2006 – You more than likely know somebody who has had their identity stolen, and you may have even been a victim yourself. Receipts, mail, checks, credit cards and other forms of personal information are just a few of the items that could be stolen. Criminals know just what to look for and can take personal information from a credit card statement, receipt, bank printout and other sources to open a bank account in your name, apply for credit cards, create forged checks, file for bankruptcy and more.

Office Zone, a paper shredder retailer, has heard a lot of these types of stories from its customers. Being ID specialists themselves, Office Zone recommends that you prepare for and recognize certain risk areas where your information may not be secure. There are a few simple steps you can take to thwart these thieves and make yourself less of a target.

One of the easiest targets for thieves to hit is your everyday mail. Although secure mailboxes are growing in use, most mailboxes are unsecured. If you have an unsecured mailbox, you may want to consider using a secure post office box. If you have an unlocked mailbox outside your house, and you are away on vacation, you can contact the U.S. Postal Service and request a vacation hold. It is also a good idea to pick new checks up from the bank rather than have them delivered to a mailbox.

A wallet or purse is another easy target. It is recommended that you not carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet. A lost or stolen wallet makes it easy for a thief to steal your identity. Wallets and purses also carry other personal information such as checks, receipts and bills. You should only carry what you need. If you keep credit cards in your wallet or purse, only take what you will need for the day. Be sure to keep your wallet or purse in a safe location and never leave them unattended.

Always be careful who you give your personal information to. A situation may arise where you are required to give information over the phone, through mail or over the Internet. This information can include your Social Security Number (SSN), birth date, account numbers, mother’s maiden name and more. Only deal with legitimate organizations. You will only want to give this information to people with whom you originally initiated contact. Thieves have been known to pose as bank representatives, medical officials, government agencies, credit card companies and more.

Document shredding is one of the most important ways you can protect your identity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states, “To thwart a thief who may pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, tear or shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired credit or charge cards that you’re discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.”

If you have become a victim of identity theft, or suspect you may have a problem, you can contact the FTC for information on what to do. You can find a step-by-step guide on what to do by going here: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/. They also have some great ideas on protecting yourself against computer ID theft as well. You can also read Office Zone’s fraud prevention guide by going here: http://www.officezone.com/fraud.htm.

For information about a paper shredder that may work for you, call toll-free (1-800-543-5454) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. MST. A knowledgeable customer service representative can then assist with answering questions regarding shredders.

For further information, please contact Morgan Cloward, Marketing Director of Office Zone, 1-800-543-5454.

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