I’m lifting this almost word for word from a
Scott L. Ksander, who investigates security issues for Information Technology at Purdue, uses the following quiz to help people assess the risk of their identities being stolen:
* I receive several offers of pre-approved credit every week (5 points). Add 5 more points if you do not shred them.
* I carry my Social Security card in my wallet (10).
* My driver's license has my Social Security number on it (10).
* I do not have a post office box or locked, secured mailbox (5).
* I use an unlocked, open box at work or at home to drop off my outgoing mail (10).
* I carry my military ID in my wallet at all times (10).
* I provide my Social Security number whenever asked, without asking questions about how that information will be safeguarded (10). Add 5 more points if you provide your number orally without checking to see who might be listening.
* I am required to use my Social Security number at work as an employee ID or at school as a student ID number (5).
* My Social Security number is printed on various documents frequently seen in the workplace, such as on time cards (10).
* I have my Social Security number and/or driver's license number printed on my personal checks (10).
* I am listed in a "Who's Who" guide (5).
* I carry my insurance card in my wallet, and either my Social Security number or that of my spouse is on that card (10).
* I have not ordered a copy of my credit report for at least two years (20).
* I do not protect my discarded personal, credit and financial information from thieves by shredding them prior to putting them in the trash (10).
If you scored 100 points or more you are at high risk for identity theft. A score of 50-100 makes your odds of being victimized about average but higher if you have good credit. A score of 0-50 points means you have a low risk of being an identity theft victim.
With permission from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
3 comments:
Had to delete two spam messages. :( I would never delete real ones, though.
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