Double Disasters: Mother Nature and Identity Theft Present a 'One-Two Punch'

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Southeast enters into what is
commonly referred to as Hurricane Season, the Identity Theft Resource Center
would like to make consumers aware of the inherent dangers that may occur
during this chaotic time. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, "some 90 percent of all
presidentially declared disasters are weather related." NOAA also said that
we can expect an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season in 2008. Taking a few
minutes today to create an action plan might help you avoid future identity
theft-related situations.
Are you prepared to evacuate with your personal identifying and valuable
papers? Do you know what to take with you? Keep copies of birth
certificates, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, death certificates,
bank account numbers, insurance papers and any other vital papers for each
family member in a locked box or a large, waterproof plastic bag. Place the
papers in your car only when you are ready to leave. Unfortunately, thieves
sometimes loot cars parked in driveways during times of evacuation. You will
need those papers to identify yourself with various assistance groups and
insurance companies. In the hands of thieves, you might lose more than
property; you could lose the ability to prove your own identity.
If you end up in a shelter, do not allow those papers to leave your sight
or person. If you need to tape them to the inside of your clothing, do so.
Unfortunately, identity thieves know that the chaos of many people living in
close quarters is a crime waiting to happen.
Businesses also need to consider data security. Are you: Flood proof?
Tornado proof? High winds proof? Absent proof? If you evacuate, what
safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the data you have
collected?
In prior years, broken file cabinets were found more than a half mile away
from the office building where they were housed. Papers were found flying
around for blocks. It would be preferable if all papers with proprietary and
personal identifying information were scanned into your computer systems and
encrypted. These systems and networks should be encrypted so that if they are
stolen or moved by a hurricane, no one without the encryption key can view the
information secured in the hard drive.
You might also want to consider a back-up system in an area that is
typically not included in the same disaster zone. That system should also be
encrypted. Computer hard drives can also be pulled as a pro-active measure to
transport your data. Please note, you are now responsible for protecting that
data in transit. Those people who have entrusted their information to you
depend on your best efforts.
Scam artists will be quick to set up telephone scams. You may get a call
from a "group collecting money for relief services." During a crisis, most
relief agencies are busy attending to the immediate needs of victims. Only
donate if you initiate the call to a well-established group. Hang up on any
telephone solicitors asking for donations.
Other con artists will pretend to represent a company you do business with
and that "lost your data." Think about it -- if they lost your information,
how could they call you? Never provide bank account, credit card or Social
Security numbers. This is always a scam. Companies will not contact you this
way.
For other tips about emergency kits and physical safety, visit the
American Red Cross and FEMA Web sites. You can also find out more information
on Disasters and Identity Theft at the Identity Theft Web site:
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/c_tips/Solution_23.shtml
About the ITRC
The Identity Theft Resource Center(R) (ITRC) is a non-profit organization
established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and
to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity
theft. It is the on-going mission of the ITRC to assist victims, educate
consumers, research identity theft and increase public and corporate awareness
about this problem. Visit www.idtheftcenter.org
ITRC Identity Theft (C) This project was supported by Grant No.
2007-VF-GX-K038 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice
Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are
those of the ITRC and do not necessarily represent the official position or
policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
SOURCE Identity Theft Resource Center

Linda Foley of Identity Theft Resource Center, +1-858-693-7935 x 101,
lfoley@idtheftcenter.org, 8:45 am - 4:30 pm Pacific Time