By Holly Doering
Hi everybody, and happy Monday. Depending on where you live, you might be celebrating Frozen Food Day, Mardi Gras, or If Pets Had Thumbs Day (at least according to an Internet list of “wacky holidays.”) But one thing everybody should be celebrating is our 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week! Running through March 10, this holiday will shine a national spotlight on consumer safety in the U.S.
How at Risk Are You for Identity Theft? Take This Quick Quiz
Identity theft is a growing problem, so understanding your personal risk is important. To make it easier, the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse created a simple quiz. I decided to take it myself and scored 45 points—not terrible, but definitely room to improve.
Below is the same quiz, rewritten for clarity and readability. Simply check each statement that applies to you and total your points.
Identity Theft Risk Quiz
Daily Habits
___ I receive several pre-approved credit offers every week. (5 points)
___ I throw these offers away without shredding them first. (5 points)
___ I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (10 points)
___ I carry my military or Medicare ID in my wallet. These may show my SSN. (10 points each)
Digital Security
___ I use a computer but do not keep my antivirus, anti-spyware, or firewall updated. (10 points)
___ I respond to emails that look like they are from my bank or credit card company, even if they are unsolicited. (10 points)
Home & Mail Safety
___ I assume no one would break into my home to steal personal documents. (10 points)
___ I drop outgoing mail in an unlocked or open mailbox. (10 points)
___ I do not use a P.O. Box or secure mailbox. (5 points)
___ I do not shred bank or credit statements before throwing them out. (10 points)
___ I throw away expired credit and debit cards without cutting them up. (5 points)
___ I believe no one would search my trash for personal information. (10 points)
Personal Information Use
___ I give my Social Security number whenever asked without checking the reason or how it will be protected. (10 points)
___ I state my SSN out loud without checking if someone is nearby. (+5 points)
___ My driver’s license number or SSN is printed on my personal checks. (10 points)
Financial Awareness
___ I have not checked my credit report in the last two years. (20 points)
___ I use an ATM without checking for signs of tampering. (5 points)
___ I do not review my credit card, debit card, or bank statements every month. (10 points)
What Your Score Means
Now add up your points. Each checked item increases your identity theft risk.
100+ Points – High Risk
You face a strong chance of becoming an identity theft victim. You should:
Use a cross-cut shredder
Secure your mail
Stay alert when sharing personal data
50–99 Points – Average Risk
Your risk level is normal, but improvements will help.
0–49 Points – Low Risk
Great job! Your habits help protect your personal information. Still, stay alert.
You Can’t Stop Identity Theft Completely, But You Can Reduce Your Risk
Identity theft can happen to anyone, even when you’re careful. However, you can catch fraud early by checking your three major credit reports at least once a year.
Over thirty different agencies are participating in providing great information for consumers this week, including the BBB, so check out National Consumer Protection Week information. Also, sign up for a daily tip from the BBB!
