How to ensure identity theft protection

1. Identity Theft

The term identity theft was coined in 1964 and is actually a misnomer, since it is not literally possible to steal an identity as such - more accurate terms would be identity fraud or impersonation or identity cloning but the term identity theft has become commonplace.

2. How vulnerable are you?

According to ‘Protecting your Identity’ (Commonwealth of Australia 2009), the greater number of ‘yes’ responses you make, the more vulnerable you are to become a victim of identity theft.

PERSONAL SECURITY

Yes/No

Do you carry all of your credit cards, store cards, and ATM cards in your wallet at all times?

Do you let your credit card out of your sight when paying a bill?

Do you leave your personal documents lying around your home or office unsecured?

Do you have your mail delivered to an unlocked home letterbox?

Do you leave any personal papers in your car’s glove box?

Do you put sensitive papers in your household recycling or garbage bin?

Do you give anyone your credit card details over the phone?

Do you buy goods or services on the internet?

Is it more than a year since you checked your credit report?

COMPUTER SECURITY

Yes/No

Do you forget to regularly change your Internet Service Provide (ISP/email password)?

Do you keep personal information on your computer’s hard disk?

Is your virus protection software out of date?

Is it more than a fortnight since you have scanned your computer for viruses?

Do you lack personal firewall protection?

Do you use a wireless internet connection without protecting it with a password?

Do you use public access computers?

Do you post personal information on a social networking site?

A site worth checking-out for everything online about identity theft protection is www.staysmartonline.gov.au

3. Are you being phised?

Phishing is a scam where internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. To avoid getting hooked:

• Never reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. …