On understanding identity theft
On understanding identity theft
brings up the question, "Identity theft, what is that?"
Unless a person is actively
involved with the Internet, he or she may not know what identity theft is, the
implications thereof and the importance of obtaining protection against
identity theft.
"Does my homeowner's
policy protect me in case of identity theft?" is another question that has
increasing relevance, in today's cyberspace world.
Many people may not realize that insurance
coverage for identity theft can be purchased, but it is an optimal endorsement
on a homeowner's insurance policy.
Identity theft constitutes the fraudulent use of someone else's identity for the purpose of financial
gain or other benefits. Impersonating another person is a criminal offense.
Personal identifiers like a social security number, a social insurance number, a driver's license number and credit card numbers are stolen, when another person
commits identity theft of your personal information.
Under the Criminal Code of
Canada, section 403, the following statement is made.
"Everyone who
fraudulently impersonates (sic) any person, living or dead, (a ) with intent to
gain advantage for himself or another person, (b) with intent to obtain any
property, or (c) with intent to cause disadvantage to the person whom he
impersonates (sic) or another person, is guilty of an indictable offence and
liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or an offence
punishable on summary conviction."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft
The Federal Trade Commission
discusses identity theft on the following web site:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html
The FTC discusses how to deter
or minimize your risk, how to detect identity theft and how to defend yourself
or recover from identity theft, if you are victimized.
In the United States
http://hastingsmutual-idtheft.com/faq/faq.htm
How can you protect yourself?
Updated computer protection is
important to avoid identity theft. Anti-viral software and a firewall are
recommended. Avoid using public computers to do your online banking or activity
that allows the transfer of sensitive information.
Use caution with e-mail. Avoid
giving out credit card information or personal information, when you do not know
the company involved. Remember that your personal information can be obtained
from bank statements, checks and applications for mortgages or car loans.
Do not
allow others to use your computer.
Check with your insurance
company to ascertain if you can obtain coverage for identity theft, as an
endorsement on your homeowner's policy. The cost is minimal in comparison to
the risk that you are taking.
Find out exactly what you are protected from and
how much actual coverage your have.
If you are aware of identity
theft, alert the places where you have bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages
and loans, immediately. Watch your bank accounts and credit cards carefully,
for any unusual activity.
Report any problems to the police. Place a fraud
alert on your credit cards if you suspect credit card fraud as the result of
identity theft.
The following web site offers
statistical information on identity theft.
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/m_facts/Facts_and_Statistics.shtml
The Gartner study in 2006,
suggested that there were at least fifteen million identity theft victims, at
that time with 28.5 million people being victimized, approximately every two
seconds. It is probably impossible to count the number of others victimized, since that time.
For more information on what is
covered, the Hanover Homeowner's Insurance offers further guidelines.
http://www.hanover.com/thg/personal/home/identity_endorse.htm
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