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For almost two weeks now, we've heard about the cataclysmic devastation brought on by the havoc of Hurricane Katrina. While no price can be put on the human loss both in lives and in memories, history, etc., another issue in all this tragedy is the ongoing problem of identity theft.
Editor's Note: Have thoughts on ID Theft and the disaster? Think they ought to be forced to drink the water in New Orleans? Talk about it at WebProWorld.
 Identity theft is a major problem anyway but this disaster presents unique opportunities for the identity thief and vigilance is absolutely important. As many people left their homes with only the clothes they were wearing, looters will be able to rummage through belongings with plenty of time and freedom to search thoroughly. This will give them the opportunity to steal social security numbers, credit cards, financial documents and all types of other information.
This morning on NPR's Morning Edition, Evan Hendricks, editor of Financial Times, had some good advice for survivors including making a note on your calendar to contact the credit bureaus in about 60 days to make sure no one is abusing your credit. He also advised people not to be hasty in canceling credit cards and other financial accounts. This could alter your credit for the worse.
This rule could also apply to businesses as well. Many small businesses were left in ruins throughout the Gulf Coast region much as homes were and it's an opportunity for those small businesses to examine their security procedures with regard to financial information. Companies should make sure their records are secure as well as their credit information, both in terms of business licensing and also of credit numbers like Dun & Bradstreet. Credit ratings can be difficult enough to maintain without others trying to create problems and abuse the work businesses put in to protect their name and credit.
Online retailers should be particularly vigilant because many of these identity thieves will attempt to use credit cards and social security numbers to apply for credit with banks, get other cards, make purchases and find other ways to spend money online. You can't necessarily check the driver's license, but it is possible to put little checks in place and make sure the transactions are what they appear to be. Also, be prepared to suffer a few losses because inevitably, some will slip through.
Identity theft continues to be a major problem the further we go into the electronic age. With some thoughtfulness and care, however, the impact can be minimized and that allows people to deal with the tougher, more important issues.
Discuss this at WebProWorld.
About
the Author:
John Stith is a technology writer with SecurityProNews. |
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