Because Identity Theft has become such a huge issue that can effect so many of us, I decided to have my associate, Joan Senitz, write a Guest Post highlighting some important information and facts we should all be aware of.

Identity Theft – Are you at risk?- by Joan Senitz, Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist

Yes, we all are. According to a Federal Trade Commission report of February 2008, nearly 23,000 people become victims of identity theft every day. In 2007 consumers lost 45.3 billion dollars in identity theft. And the director of the Boise Better Business Bureau stated that identity theft rose 3 to 4 times higher in 2007.

What is Identity Theft?

It is the act of someone stealing your personal information and using it to better themselves in a variety of ways. When most of us think of identity theft we think of credit card/financial. However, that’s only about 25 percent of the problem. Identity theft also includes, Driver’s License, Social Security, Medical, and Character/Criminal Identity Thefts, which make up roughly 75 percent of the crimes and can be far more devastating to an individual.

You can take precautions but unless you live in a cave in Outer Mongolia, you are still at risk. For information on things you need to be aware of and things you can do to help yourself contact me at 208–794-4811 or email me at jbsconsultingllc@q.com.

Joan Senitz is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist and President of JBS Consulting, LLC, a company dedicated to helping individuals and businesses be prepared for the “just-in-case” event of identity theft.