In article t9uCb.328993$Dw6.1107274@attbi_s02, "Jay Honeck"
writes:


You know, I hear this ALL THE TIME -- yet, I've never met a single person
who has actually suffered from "identity theft".


There are almost 300 million people in the US of which a few tens of thousands
have suffered "identity theft". It is not surprising that you have never met a
single person who has suffered from "identity theft" but it does happen and is
happening with ever greater frequency. I have never suffered from it myself
but have met one person who has. It was hell for them and something that I
would want to avoid at almost all costs.

As you all know, I use my real name, my real address, my real email address
(well, mostly), and the real name of my business -- thus far, with minimal
hassle. Am I being stupid? Dunno -- but I simply can't bring myself to hide
behind a phony name.


No, I also use my real name, address and email address but that doesn't give
anyone any information that is not available in a host of other places, all of
which are easily obtained on almost anyone.

I *really* enjoy the new Visa commercials, with the guy's voice-over on the
little old lady -- they're hilarious and really get the point across about
the risks of identity theft. However, they *are* trying to sell a product,
and (as a result) the cynic in me rises to the fore. I just have to wonder
if this whole "identity theft" thing isn't a product of Madison Avenue, once
again trying to fan the flames of our own paranoia, in an effort to sell us
something?

Does anyone know a real person who has suffered this fate?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

What you must be more concerned with is giving out that information which is
NOT readily available and which can be used to obtain phoney documents. This
includes your social security number, place of birth, drivers license numbers,
credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information. Even that may
not be enough to protect you from identity theft but in that case, nothing may
be.

My best advice is to never give out personal information unless you are
absolutely sure of who you are giving it tol. An example, never give you
credit card number to someone who calls YOU or to any other solicitation that
you receive such as an email reply. If you buy something over the phone or
over the internet, make sure you searched out the item and not the other way
around. Even then, double check the vendor.

Bob Reed
www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site)
KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress....

"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice,
pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!"
(M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman)