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Identity theft Happens Predominantly Offline

Posted by timothy on from the life-imitates-dilbert dept.

prostoalex writes "Worried about identity theft online? Relax, say the Feds. You're much more likely to have your identity stolen offline (72% of the cases). In half of all the cases, it's the friendly relatives, neighbors and friends who steal the identity of the victim. Moreover, those watching their financial accounts online lose approximately $551 per incident. The average rockets to $4543 for those relying on paper statements from their banks and credit card companies."

6 of 326 comments (clear)

  1. this is why by greechneb · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The best purchase you can make is a paper shredder, preferably a cross-cut model. When you get your mail, either shred it, or file it right away. A pile of mail sitting around is an easy target, especially if it isn't opened - you probably won't miss it if you haven't opened it. Shred everything, even those credit card applications. You don't want any information easily available!!!

    1. Re:this is why by ad0gg · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Problem isn't people going through trash, its people stealing your mail from the unlocked mailbox most people have. Best solution is getting a lock for you mailbox.

      --

      Have you ever been to a turkish prison?

    2. Re:this is why by Xzzy · · Score: 4, Insightful

      > Which is why I now always pay at the pump, and try
      > to avoid any situation where my card will be in
      > the hands of someone else.

      There's another option: pay in cash. People that try to steal that stuff generally get caught a lot quicker, and even if they don't get caught it doesn't hurt you in the slightest.

      Credit cards are handy things, but using them to replace cash for day to day purchases is asking for trouble.

      I suppose if one is constantly getting mugged the above may not be sound advice. For the rest of us, it's much safer.

  2. Yes but... by kawika · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Identity theft was ALL offline 10 years ago. So are we supposed to ignore the phishing problem until it reaches 50 percent? The rate of growth in the crime is no doubt much higher online, the same way that the growth in Internet ecommerce was much higher the past holiday season.

    Plus, there are some sorts of identity theft that really only make sense online, such as eBay and PayPal scams.

  3. I blame lazy CC industry by Ars-Fartsica · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Are you telling me the best they can do is a card with my password embossed right next to my name? As fas as I am concerned the CC number is a password since that and the expiration date are all that are needed to pilfer funds.

    The CC industry needs to create a secure credit card. Until they do, fraud cannot be stopped.

  4. Re:It amazes me how bad retailers are by kaustik · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I've worked in retail before and have seen many people do this. Personally, I find it amusing. Nowhere in either the store policy, or state law, did it mention anything about following cutomer direction on the back of a credit card. You are not only wasting your time, you are causing potential confusion for the poor $5/hr kid behind the counter.
    Maybe I should start writing things on the back of my card - "Give 5% discount", "Shake hands and smile", or "I'm 17, too babe, it's legal".