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Wicker Outlines Efforts to Fight Identity Theft

Date: Aug. 22, 2005
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net


WICKER OUTLINES EFFORTS TO FIGHT IDENTITY THEFT
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

August 22, 2005

A breach of security at a credit card processing company earlier this year may have exposed more than 40 million accounts to identity thieves. This massive lapse in privacy protection has prompted renewed legislative efforts to protect American consumers.

The issue of identity theft is expected to get increased attention on Capitol Hill this fall as lawmakers consider legislation to tighten privacy security measures and stiffen penalties for offenders. Congress is working with consumer groups and the business community on initiatives that will strengthen the ability of authorities to combat this problem. But the most effective deterrent may be an alert and informed consumer.

DISTURBING SECURITY BREACHES

The credit card company case involved unauthorized individuals gaining access to the computer network that stored millions of accounts, but this was not the first time data has been stolen from credit card payment processors. While these activities are alarming, identity theft is not confined to computer hackers. Consumers are at risk in their homes and workplaces, shopping at the mall, making Internet purchases, and other activities where credit and personal information are shared.
The Federal Trade Commission operates a consumer clearinghouse on the issue of identity theft. It can be found on the internet at www.ftc.gov . Identity thieves can rob victims of their good credit and create problems that might take years to correct. Even more alarming is the fact that it may take months for victims to become aware of these crimes being perpetrated against them.

FTC OFFERS HELP

The FTC offers several tips to guard against this crime, including:

· Don't give personal information over the telephone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you know the firm with whom you are dealing.

· Do not carry your Social Security card on your person, and avoid sharing this valuable number unless absolutely necessary. Make sure your driver's license number and Social Security number are different.

· Shred all pre-approved credit card offers, voided checks, and other financial items that could be retrieved from your garbage.

· Check your credit report regularly. Consumers may get free copies of these reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling toll-free, 877-322-8228.

Persons who suspect they may be the victims of identity theft should contact one of the three major credit bureaus, close the accounts in question, and file a police report. Authorities say the quicker action is taken, the greater the opportunity to fight this potentially devastating crime.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/IDTheft.htm

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