Keeping Your Identity Safe (#1)

It’s not by giving up the internet!
(Security Series – 1 of 5)

A few years ago, I surveyed our members and asked questions regarding security issues. One hundred-fifty people responded. It was shocking to see the results, especially with the question “have you recently had your credit card or identity compromised?” Twelve out of one hundred-fifty had. That is 8 percent. (Please note: Respondents explanations did not indicate or imply that the breach came from our web site.)

Quilting is a 3.6 billion dollar industry as stated in the 2006 industry report “Quilting in America“. Per the report, 17 percent or 19.135 million of all U.S. Households reported having someone that participates in quilting. The total number of quilters in the U.S. now exceeds over 27 million. (1) Most of these quilting dollars are being spent through credit cards at local shops or via the internet making quilters a target of identity theft more than ever. Some have protected themselves by not shopping on the internet at all. Some find no increased risk in internet shopping.

The question remains, “are any of us safe from credit card fraud or identity theft?” Probably not, but some of us are definitely more safe than others.

In 2006, President Bush issued an executive order which launched a Task force to create a strategic plan which would make the government’s efforts more effective and efficient in fighting and preventing identity theft. The task force specifically targets identity theft awareness, prevention, detection, and prosecution. (2)

The Presidential Task Force came back with some of these recommendations: (3)

1. Establish a data breach policy for the public sector
2. Improve data security in the public sector
3. Decrease the use of Social Security Numbers by the Public Sector
4. Produce a publication for “routine Use” for disclosure of information following a breach
5. Develop an alternate means of authenticating identities
6. Provide victim assistance which includes restitution for victims
7. Develop a universal police report.

If you would like to view the full document see the footnote link above.

Overall, no one can guarantee that our credit or identity is safe. We cannot prevent someone “trying”. But, we can help ourselves by not making it easy for them to gain access to our information. We hope that you see this article, not as “threat is all around us”, but rather a positive that we, as consumers, can take control to reduce and even prevent fraud and identity theft.

Please read the rest of the series to find out what you can do to keep your identity safe.

May you have many days of happy and carefree Quilting!

Resources
In addition to the links provided throughout the article, FTC has developed an online information source for those who have fallen victim to this identity crime including a list of what to do in the event your identity is stolen. Please take advantage of this resource to help you and your family stay safe.