Need proof that identity theft can happen to anyone? Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke recently announced that he and his family were victimized by an intricate identity fraud scheme.
Nearly 10 million Americans fell victim to identity theft fraud in 2008, according to the Javelin Strategy and Research.
The Bernankes became a statistic when Anna Bernanke, the chairman's wife, had her purse stolen a year ago. The purse contained a driver's license, credit cards, a Social Security card and the Bernankes' checkbook; each check featured their bank account number, address, and phone number. It was only a matter of time before the crook starting cashing checks.
Bernanke was one of the hundreds of consumers affected, when a convicted scam artist, Clyde Austin Gray Jr., known as "Big Head," reportedly orchestrated a gang of thieves to swipe checks, credit cards, military IDs, and other personal records—stealing around $2.1 million from individuals and financial institutions.
"No one is exempt from becoming a victim of identity theft," said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington. "These days, consumers need to be more vigilant and proactive to protect themselves."
Your BBB provides the following tips to help guard personal information:
- Avoid carrying a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security Card with you unless absolutely necessary. Don't store Social Security numbers, passwords or other personal identification numbers in a cell phone or PDA.
- Never keep private documents in unsecured locations, such as a car or office. At home, invest in a fireproof lock box or safe to store important documents.
- Use a locked mailbox or post office box to send and receive mail. If using an unsecured mailbox, remove mail promptly after delivery. If going on vacation, call the U.S. Postal service at 1-800-275-8777 to request a vacation hold.
- Sign new credit cards as soon as you receive them and write "check photo ID" on the back. Cut up or shred expired cards. Do not carry more cards than you really need. Report lost or stolen credit cards to the issuer immediately.
- Monitor bank and credit card statements for fraudulent activity. Get a free annual credit report from www.AnnualCreditReport.com, 1-877-322-8228.
Take a stand against identity theft and promote safe information handling practices:
Visit www.akorww.bbb.org/secure-your-id for more information about this event! Contact your BBB, www.bbb.org, for more advice on how to prevent identity theft.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.