I have recently been a victim of identity theft. This is a serious "cybercrime" that is becoming more and more rampant in the United States and around the world. I was first alerted by a credit card company in Texas that a credit line of $10,000 had been opened under my name, old address and social security number. Fortunately, the fraud department at that bank caught it and quickly got in touch with me.

I share this with you because it always seems like something that "happens to the other guy". But this is real and it has caused much inconvenience for me. In addition to that credit line being opened, Bell Atlantic Wireless/Verizon has four accounts for cellular phones in my name ... collectively accruing thousands of minutes of wireless air-time for the month of July in my name. That means there are people carrying around and using cell phones registered with my information.

The root of my particular problem is in the distribution of 'pre-approved' credit card applications and lax policy at cellular phone stores. Fortunately, I have issued complaints under duress and have not been held responsible for any charges to date.

There are several things you can do to help prevent such a mess. I highly recommend that you take some time and do these. You do not want to go through what I have:

1. Shred your junk mail, old statements and any material with your address and personal information.

   I've been doing this for well over a year. I do not suspect "dumpster diving" is the cause of my identity theft. But this is an easy step to take. Shredders can be had for less than $50 these days.

2. Flag your credit files with the major credit bureaus to prevent false lines of credit from being opened.

   This basically prevents anyone from opening a line of credit against your name without written, signed permission from you. It's also a generic 'alert' that your account might be "fraud prone", encouraging creditors and credit agencies to watch for suspicious activity. This is not set by default and you have to take action to enable it.

   To report fraud and/or have the flag set:

   • Equifax: 800.525.6285
   • Experian: 888.EXPERIAN
   • Trans Union: 800.680.7289

   To order your credit report (free if you report fraud):

   • Equifax: 800.685.1111
   • Experian: 888.EXPERIAN
   • Trans Union: 800.916.8800
   
   
3. Check your Social Security Statement.

   The government keeps up with the accuracy of your reported earnings and other personal information via the Social Security Administration (SSA). Verify that they have the correct information. Call them at 1.800.772.1213. You can change your SSN but it's not advisable if you can help it.

   Now, as I mentioned, my situation started with the illicit submission of pre-screened credit offers sent to a former address.

4. Remove yourself from pre-screened credit card offers.

   Call 1.888.5.OPTOUT and ask them to get you off the lists.

5. Remove yourself from marketing lists.

   Experian keeps a massive marketing database. Remove yourself by calling 1.800.407.1088.

6. Remove yourself from DMA lists.

   The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) keeps, rents and sells lists of mailing addresses, email addresses and phone numbers for use by marketers.

   Send a simple request identifying yourself and asking to be removed:

   Direct USPS mail:
   
   DMA Mail Preference Service
   PO Box 9008
   Framingdale, NY 11735-9008
   

   Email address list:
   
   http://www.e-mps.org

   Phone/telemarketing:
   
   DMA Telephone Preference Service
   PO Box 9014
   Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
   
   

7. Dump your "cookies".

   Agencies like Doubleclick and 24/7 Media track your usage patterns on the World Wide Web. This includes visits to adult content and medical sites. I'm not accusing anyone of checking out pornography ... hey, that's not my business -- but that's the point, right? It should be nobody's business but yours. Check out http://www.junkbusters.com/ht/en/cookies.html for information on how cookies are used for tracking, how to disable them, plus a neat page that shows what your browser is revealing about you.

Identity theft is a federal crime that was recognized and acted upon by Congress in 1998 by way of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act. If you suspect or have verified that you are a victim of identity theft, contact the FTC's complaint clearinghouse at 1.877.IDTHEFT or online at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Unlike my dealings with other federal agencies, this department is very efficient and up-to-date.

There's a war going on (WWIII?) and it's happening in cyberspace. Working in the Internet industry, I am quite familiar with the pervasive, ubiquitous nature of modern mass media. In lieu of all the benefits, there are also obvious inherent disadvantages. The key is consumer action and empowerment to protect your identity, preventing the theft before it happens, and the ability to rectify problems when they arise.

I hope this is helpful.