Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

The action of an individual stealing another individual’s identity and pretending to be that said person is called identity theft. Identity thieves target your personal information such as your name, address and tax registration number. They then use this information to perform business transactions such as opening credit card accounts, renting an apartment, mortgage or purchase houses and cars or engage in criminal activities using your identity.

The use of another individual’s personal information such as their credit card name and number without their permission with the intention to steal money or for any other purpose is called identity theft.

Identity theft is of a worldwide concern and even occurs in Jamaica. Persons are swindled of their money in numerous  deceptive ways. Identity thieves are commonly known to use another person’s identity for credit cards and monetary scams, but they may also use your identity to receive utility services or even obtain a driver’s license. Your identity may even be used at the time of arrest if they have been caught committing a crime.

Many consumers aren't aware of the likelihood of identity theft and its occurrence. Therefore you need to be aware at all times of its possibility. 

How can your Identity be stolen?

Your identity can be stolen by individuals rummaging through your garbage for bills which contain your personal information. At the ATM special storage devices can be used to skim information from your debit and credit cards when used. Identity thieves can even go as far as presenting themselves as a financial institution and send requests to you for your personal information. They can also go about obtaining your personal information by stealing your wallets, purses, physical or electric mail, or bribe individuals with access to your information. 

Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft can be prevented by always being vigilant during your financial activities. When travelling, overseas or locally, only carry the identification and credit cards you will need. You should never carry your cards in your cheque book. If your cheque book appears to be lost or stolen, inform your bank immediately of the missing cheque numbers. When signing your credit cards, do so with permanent ink as soon as they are received. Also during purchases, ensure your cards are in your view at all times and ensure they are retrieved when the transaction is completed. Never sign a blank charge slip and always save your receipts for future referencing, do not leave them behind. Also do not announce your account number aloud in public for others to hear, and over the phone only provide your identification and credit card information to reputable companies. If in the instance an individual calls and claims they are a representative of your credit card company, and ask for your number, do not tell them. Your credit card company already knows this information and therefore that individual is a fraud.

When using your computer, make certain that it is secured by reputable anti-virus software and firewalls. Also use passwords that cannot be easily deciphered hence avoid using information such as your date of birth.

Another way to prevent identity theft is to promptly check your statements and ensure that the all charges assembled are accurate. Secure your statements as these contain personal information. When discarding financial documents and papers, make sure you shred them before.

In the case your credit or debit cards, driver’s license or tax registration number is lost or stolen, ensure that you have a compiled list. This list should entail the names, expiration dates, account numbers of all your cards and should be stored in a safe and secure place (apart from your cards) so that you can alert your credit card company of your lost or stolen card. Upon re-opening your account ensure the personal information they have for you is accurate. If your tax registration number is lost or stolen, alert your employer or your Human Resource Department immediately and if your driver’s license is lost or stolen report it to the police station.

Always maintain alertness. If you suspect someone watching you while you entering your pin at the ATM, being denied of credit or unable to process a point of sale purchase when you should have funds in your account or statements with things that you did not purchase, this is suspicious activity. Do not wait to report it, do so immediately!

Identity theft should not be taken lightly, as it can prevent you from accessing your funds, destroy your credit ratings and damage your reputation.