CLOSE TO HALF OF ID THEFT VICTIMS KNOW THIEF PERSONALLY

A study conducted by Identity Theft Assistance Center, and reported by ConsumerAffairs.com, found that 40 percent if identity theft victims knew the thief personally. According to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, they could be friends, roommates, household workers, and even spouses going through a messy divorce. So, if a friend or roommate gets too interested in your personal side, be aware. Or you catch a health care giver who is watching over a loved one nosing around where they shouldn’t be, ask why. If your divorce proceedings have led to a grudge, well, they probably already have all of your private information, so be prepared. This sort of alert extends to party givers who leave sensitive data lying around for the taking. If there are five people at your get-together, two could be looking for something other than refreshments.