Privacy Matters

With the Internet becoming a vital part of our lives it ''s now easier than ever to shop, to communicate and find information. Having so much information readily available has offered the public many advantages, but the downside is that privacy matters and privacy issues have become a real problem.

Identity theft and Internet identity theft are the fastest growing crimes in the country. They account for nearly 50 percent of all complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As of 2002 it was estimated that nearly one in 20 Americans were victims of identity theft. And those numbers continue to grow.

The average identity theft victim spends approximately 200 hours and one thousand dollars resolving identity theft issues after their privacy has been invaded. And it generally takes between two and four years to resolve the problem. To avoid becoming a victim it ''s crucial that you know your consumer law privacy rights and the various ways you can protect yourself and your privacy.

Privacy Laws

Privacy laws, privacy policies and consumer protection laws vary by state but the Fair Information Practice Principles are the foundation for many privacy laws in the United States and Canada and are quite similar to the polices adopted in the Data Protection Act in the United Kingdom.

• Accountability: A data controller must be accountable for complying with measures that give effect to the following principles.
• Collection Limitation: There must be a limit set regarding the collection of personal data. Any data obtains should be by a lawful means with full knowledge of the data subject.
• Data Quality: Personal data must be relevant to the purposes for which they are to be used. So they should be accurate and up-to-date.
• Individual Participation: Individuals must have the right to obtain data from a data controller that relates to him.
• Openness: There must be a general policy of openness about developments and policies when it comes to personal data.
• Purpose Specification: The purpose for which personal data are collected must be specified at the time of data collection.
• Security Safeguards: Personal data must be protected by security safeguards against risks such as loss or unauthorized access.
• Use Limitation: Personal data must not be made available or used for purposes other than those specified by the data collector. An exception to this would occur with the permission of the data subject.

Ten Ways to Protect Your Privacy

When it comes to privacy protection there are 10 important things that you can do to protect your privacy and keep yourself from becoming a victim.

• Ask Questions: When you are asked for personal information (especially information that seems inappropriate for the transaction you are doing), feel free to ask questions. Inquire how the information will be used and if it will be shared. If you are not satisfied with the answers you receive, consider shopping elsewhere.
• Avoid Pre-approved Credit Offers: Identity thieves often use the mail to help them gain personal information. Pre-approved credit offers are an easy way for them to locate your important personal data. You can stop, or opt out of most of the pre-approved credit offers you receive by calling 888-5OPTOUT (or 888-567-8688).
• Check Your Credit Report Often: The easiest way to protect yourself from identity theft is by track your credit history often. One free credit report can be obtained once a year from each of the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The optimal way to keep current is to spread out your requests by checking your credit with one bureau every four months.
• Don ''t Get Hooked by a "Phisher ": One way Internet identity theft victims get snagged is by thieves who "phish " for their victims by pretending to be banks or even government agencies. They will do this via emails or possibly on the phone. Typically they will ask you to verify an account number or a password. Never give out your personal information unless you make contact. Legitimate companies never acquire information in this manner.
• Inspect Your Bills and Bank Statements: As soon as you receive a bank statement or credit card bill open it. Immediately check for fraudulent charges or suspicious activity and report it. If you do not receive a bill that you are expecting make sure you call the company. Often thieves will do a change of address to hide fraudulent activity.
• Protect Your Computer From Viruses: Protect the personal information that is on your computer by installing spyware protection and updating it often. Never click on pop-up windows or spam email. Use passwords that are at least eight characters in length and include both letters and numbers.
• Protect Your Financial Information: Most states require financial service companies or banks to get your permission before they share your personal information. Legislation varies by state so be sure to check to see how you are protected.
• Protect Your Social Security Number: Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. If you have ID cards that use your Social Security number ask the company to issue you different number.
• Shop with Caution: When shopping online be sure to read the company ''s privacy policy. If they do not have one posted think about shopping elsewhere. Enter personal information only on secure sites (pages with https in the address). If you are filling out a form and they offer an Opt In or Opt Out option be sure you Opt out, otherwise you may be signing up for something you don ''t know or don ''t want.
• Shred Your Important Data: Never simply throw papers with important personal data in the trash. Shred or tear them first. This includes instant credit offers and convenience checks that you receive in the mail.