Could Someone Grab Your ID and Personal Information?

Identity theft is big business and mature members of the population are often targeted for these crimes. Want to find out if you are at risk for identity theft? Want to test your Identity Protection Quotient? The following list represents possible avenues for ID theft.

Are You at Risk for Identity Theft? Take Our Identity Theft Awareness Test!

Are You at Risk for Identity Theft? Take Our Identity Theft Awareness Test:

1. I receive several offers of pre-approved credit every week. (5 points)
2. Add 5 more points if you do not shred them before putting them in the trash.
3. I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (10 points)
4. I do not have a PO Box or a locked, secured mailbox. (5 points)
5. I use an unlocked, open box at work or at my home to drop off my outgoing mail. (10 points)
6. I carry my military ID in my wallet at all times. (10 points)
7. I do not shred or tear banking and credit information when I throw it in the trash. (10 points)
8. I provide my social security number (SSN) whenever asked, without asking questions as to how that information will be safeguarded. (10 points) Add 5 points if you provide it orally without checking to see who might be listening.
9. I am required to use my SSN at work as an employee or student ID number. (5 points)
10. I have my SSN printed on my employee badge hat I wear at work or in public. (10 points)
11. I have my SSN or driver’s license number printed on my personal checks (20 points)
12. I am listed in a “Who’s Who” guide. (5 points)
13. I carry my insurance card in my wallet and either my SSN or that of my spouse is the ID number. (20 points)
14. I have no ordered a copy of my credit reports for at least 2 years. (10 points)
15. I do not believe that people would root around in my trash looking for credit or financial information. (10 points)

Each one of these points represents a possible avenue for and ID theft.

Scoring

1-50 Points - Congratulations. You have a high “IQ.” Keep up the good work and don’t let your guard down now.

50-100 Points - Your odds of being victimized are about average. Higher if you have good credit.

100+ Points - More than 500,000 people will become victims of ID theft this year. You are at high risk. We recommend you purchase a paper shredder, become more security aware in document handling and start to question why people need your personal data.