Identity Smarts: Start Protecting Your Identity During National Crime Prevention Month

Tempe, Ariz. – (October 3rd, 2011) Identity theft stories are being told everyday across the US but how big is the crime, really? The Chicago Tribune recently reported that cybercrime costs more than $388 billion globally, more than the illegal drug market in heroin, cocaine and marijuana. October is National Crime Prevention Month and LifeLock, the industry leader in identity theft protection is taking the lead on educating Americans on the current threats of identity theft.

“The Social Security number is the “key to the kingdom,’” said Mike Prusinski, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications with LifeLock. “From the day you are issued a Social Security number you become a possible target for an identity thief. Regardless of your existing credit score or whether or not you have credit cards there are countless ways for a thief to profit from your Social Security number.”

LifeLock offers the following free steps for consumers to take to help better protect their personal information:

E-Commerce: With the holidays quickly approaching online shoppers are especially vulnerable to attack. Look for evidence that you’re doing business on a secure site. In your computer’s browser bar, look for the https:// before entering any sort of personal information.

Stay Alert: If you get a phone call, email or text message from someone purporting to be from your financial institution asking for personal information to update your records, DO NOT respond. This is almost always a scam. When in doubt, disconnect the phone call and call the agency back at a number you trust. If you receive the inquiry in email or text form, consider forwarding to the fraud department of the agency misrepresented.

Secure Your Information: Home invaders and car thieves have changed their perspective; they no longer want your television or your car itself – those items only turn a resale profit once. If they can get their hands on your Social Security card, tax return or any documents containing your personal information they’ve struck gold. Your personal information goes for top dollar on criminal websites. Lock your information in a safe place, preferably not on your person.

Social Networking Dangers: Facebook and Twitter can be as safe as you make them. Understand that just because you are asked to provide your phone number, address, date of birth and other personal information on these sites, they are NOT REQUIRED. Limit the personal information you make available on these sites and reduce your vulnerabilities.

Protect Your Children’s Information: More and more children’s identities are being stolen so that identity thieves can commit employment or benefit-related fraud. Children make prime targets because thieves can get away with it for years before its detected. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, consumers can request 1 free credit report a year from all three of the major credit bureaus. Request your free credit report for your child when you request your own at www.annualcreditreport.com. Be wary of look-alike websites offering free reports as they often charge additional fees.

“The more dialogue we can initiate about this crime, the better we prepare our communities,” said Prusinski. “This crime isn’t going away anytime soon but knowledge is power and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ascertain as much information as we can to best protect ourselves and our families.”

For additional recommendations on how to protect your personal information or to learn more about identity theft, visit LifeLock.

Contact:
Cortney Lanik
Media Relations Manager
480-457-2032
Cortney.Lanik@lifelock.com

About LifeLock

LifeLock, Inc. is an industry leader in identity theft protection. Since 2005, LifeLock has been relentlessly protecting identities by providing consumers with the tools and confidence they need to help protect themselves from identity theft and manage their credit. The company has a strong focus on educating consumers and working with law enforcement and elected officials to better understand the increasing threats of identity theft. A multiple award-winning organization for two consecutive years, LifeLock has been recognized by Inc. magazine on their annual list of top 500 fastest growing privately held businesses in the United States and by the American Business Awards as having the 2011 Costumer Service Team of the Year. In August 2011, Javelin Strategy & Research named LifeLock as “Best in Prevention” in their annual Identity Protection Vendor Report.

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