Identity theft is when someone uses, without permission your personal information in order to commit frauds or crimes. According to a survey conducted by the United State Federal Trade Commission , 9.9 million people were victims of this fast growing crime.  In a report written by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada , payment card fraud is a major component of identity theft, comprising 42% of reported identity theft incidents in 2003, according to Phonebusters . It remains a significant threat to Canadian businesses, financial institutions and consumers.  According to the RCMP , total dollar losses from credit card fraud in 2003 amounted to C$200 million.  Thus we should always be careful with your information, whether it is stored on your computer, on your laptop (SecurDoc from Winmagic) or via the Internet

Your Social Security number, credit card number, driver license are primary information thieves are looking for and if obtained, the outcome can be severe and detrimental to your business, employees and the information stored on your PC and laptop.  People and companies that have experienced Identity theft spend months and even years to repair what thieves have damaged.  Damages can be refusal of loan, job opportunity and sometimes arrested for something they did not do.  It is difficult dealing with Identity theft, and most difficult to restore what others have messed up for you and your family or business. 

The consequences of being victimize of this crime could be disastrous and a financial disaster.   They can range from giving your name to the police during an arrest. If they are released and don’t show up for their court date, an arrest warrant could be issued in your name. For $60, a thief can buy your health records—and use them to get costly care. Guess who gets the bill?

One of the most important information to secure and keep it away from Cyber impostor is your bank statement.  Today, you can have your bank statement send to you by email or by notification from your bank to go and access it via the Bank Portal.  They are readily available on PDF format and easily transportable by saving it on your hard drive.  You must check and verify your bank statement against all the purchases you made during that period of time. 

Purchases made over the Internet have become the most profitable way for a company to sell their products.  During 2006 Christmas Holiday, over 60 % of gifts were purchases online through various retailers.  Although, it has become a very common practice, thieves have turned their attention to this domain and have succeeded in infiltrating system in order to obtain Identity of customer and their personal information. 

Most of the Internet Browser have encryptions capabilities, however, if you are using a non-secure browser or the web site that is not secured, do not share your information but instead use the phone or snail mail.  For web site that require a password or a PIN (personal identification number), avoid using common name such as date of birth, or family names.  This would give inevitably thieves a way in to your private life and more importantly to your identity. 

Word of advice, being careful with your personal information should not be a hustle but a routine.