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Lock It or Lose It!

Art Powers, Director of Security for Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. has a scary story to tell. Most of us are aware that instances of identity theft are on the rise, but may not know just how quickly and devastatingly it can affect one's finances and life.

Within minutes of having your credit or debit card stolen, it is already being used for purchases. Once the head of the identity theft ring gets your information, he reproduces the data onto cardstock for additional use; drains your bank account; and puts your information in a tickler file to drain your account again in about 90 days, assuming (often correctly) that the bank will encourage you not to close the account. Victims of identity theft must spend months getting their financial life reorganized with untold hours on the phone with banks and credit card companies sorting out the mess.

The way to stop such a series of events is to make sure no one can get a hold of your financial information. Powers explains that criminals, like water, use the path of least resistance. The easiest method of obtaining victims' identity is wallet and purse theft, often from locked or unlocked cars. In Downtown alone, there is an average of 60 to 70 car break-ins per month, with spikes as high as 90. It is easy to avoid being a victim; when you park Downtown, lock your car door and never leave your personal belongings, particularly your wallet or purse, inside.

"I am starting a Lock It or Lose It program, to emphasize the importance of protecting your possessions, because identity theft is a huge problem," said Powers. "It's not just losing some cash. Within minutes purchases are being made and it goes on for months."

Powers hopes to launch Lock It or Lose It soon. But now you have a sneak peek at the program and can use the information to avoid becoming an identity theft victim.