9 Ways to Help Avoid Identity Theft

According to a survey of U.S. consumers by a company called Javelin Strategy and Research, one out of six adults was an ID theft victim last year—16 percent higher than in 2015. This resulted in the theft of more than $16 billion from 13 million Americans.

Texas ranks high nationally—number eight—when it comes to ID theft. Nearly 40,000 Texans fi led ID theft complaints in 2015. According to the Justice Department, Texas ranks only behind Florida and California in cybercrime victims.

Talk with Canyon Creek’s David Leopard (our resident Identity Theft Expert) and he’ll tell you other ID theft statistics. He knows the subject well. The former FBI agent and corporate security executive has given more than 200 presentations on ID theft to more than 20,000 people at businesses, churches, retirement communities, and civic organizations during the past decade.

“It’s a nationwide epidemic,” he said, “and we’re all vulnerable to having our personal data stolen and used fraudulently.”

There are many ways to protect against ID theft, according to David, and it’s critically important to learn how to avoid it and what to do when someone wrongfully uses your data. A Richardson native since 1969, David moved to Canyon Creek in the early 1980s. After leaving the FBI, he worked as security director for Mary Kay Cosmetics and the Dallas Market Center.

Retiring in 2002, he has devoted his time to volunteer activities such as teaching seniors how to use computers, serving as Southwest Canyon Creek’s Crime Patrol Coordinator, and giving ID theft presentations. In recognition of his volunteer activities, he was presented the “Humanitarian Award” by the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. Only four former FBI agents received the award that year.

David and his wife, Stephanie, enjoy playing competitive tennis. He competes regularly on a team at the Huffi nes Tennis Center. They both have adult children who have families that live in Texas and as far away as New York City.

“Totally avoiding ID theft is impossible,” David said, “but there are relatively easy steps each of us can take to be protected.” Here are

9 Ways to Help

Avoid Identity Theft by “Mister Jimmy” Van Orden

Think you’re safe from identity theft?

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Shred personal fi nancial documents in a cross-cut shredder before discarding them. Do not provide personal, fi nancial or other identifying information to an unknown caller or web site. Before furnishing any information online, be sure the web site is securely protected. A secure web page address will start with: https and shows a padlock icon. Obtain a free credit report yearly to review for errors. Contact annualcreditreport.com or 877-322-8228. You can receive a credit report from a different credit agency every four months. Minimize the number of credit cards and other identifying information you carry. Do not carry your Social Security card or Medicare card unless necessary. Request to be placed on these No Call Lists to minimize solicitation calls: Texas 1-866-896-6225; Federal: 1-888-3821222. Also stop credit card mail offers by calling 888-567-8688 or go online: optoutprescreen.com. Do not use a debit card at a gas pump unless you punch the credit card transaction. Skimmers can detect debit cards/PIN and then your bank account will be cleaned out. Social networking sites: don’t post about going on vacation or being out of town. Also, do not put too much identifying data on the website (i.e. Facebook-date of birth). Protect your computer: keep your fi rewall turned on, install or update your antivirus software regularly, keep your operating system up to date, be careful when you download, and turn off your computer when away from home and at night.