Identity Theft is an epidemic in this country, but we felt that rather than frightening the public, we believed it is important to give our readers practical and powerful ways to protect their identity and privacy. The Foreword to this book by the Director of the Identity Theft Resource Center, gives you insight as to why you must have this guide.Please read below.
"If you have this book in hand, you are probably concerned about Safeguarding Your Identity- and you should be! In 1997 I became a victim of identity theft when my employer stole my identity. Back then, there was little information about identity theft victimization, in fact few people even knew what I was talking about.
Thankfully Mari Frank did. As a former victim herself, and self-taught expert on this crime, she spent time advising me through the process. I don’t know what I would have done without her support over the years. As a result of my experience, and with Mari’s encouragement, my husband and I founded the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). Along with Ms. Frank and other consumer groups we serve thousands of victims throughout our country nationally. We have been honored to sit beside Mari on committees, in legislative hearings and on taskforces that have changed laws. Jointly, we have promoted more sensitivity toward victims, more accountability in the financial industry, better understanding from law enforcements, and positive communication among the various groups that need to work collaboratively.
No one can promise you that you can absolutely prevent identity theft victimization, but this book will help you understand this crime, and help you greatly minimize your risk. Identity theft needs to be tackled on many levels. It requires that everyone becomes keenly aware of the manner in which information is stolen, how it used, and ways to reduce risk. This book will show you how to defend yourself as an individual, employee, consumer and a business manager or owner.
As you read through this book, you'll see that much of the advice will affect you at home as well as in commerce. The true battle will be fought in the business world since Corporate America is the main repository for much of our personal information. For example, you will read that it is vital to shred paper documents with identifying information and not just to put them in a dumpster or trash. It is clear that this practice should be embraced by consumers and businesses alike.
While at first glance, you'll look at this personal privacy audit and it might seem that you need to make many lifestyle changes. However, when you consider the consequences, and take just a few pages at a time, you will probably find they can be easily accomplished with minimal effort.
Identity theft is a fact in this information age. We cannot escape that it is an epidemic. We cannot become ostriches and bury our heads in the sand. However, we also don’t have to be trapped by our fear of this crime. Once you read this book, you will understand this crime, and how to incorporate protection measures into your daily life. You'll even learn the steps to take if you fall victim. You will also realize that even if you become a victim, it is not a death sentence. This book and Mari's other newly revised book From Victim to Victor: A Step By Step Guide to Ending the Nightmare of Identity Theft will help you guard yourself, and give you the tools you need to get your life back if you become a victim of this crime.
Safeguard Your Identity: Protect Yourself with a Personal Privacy Audit is a book that should not sit on a shelf. I recommend you place it where you will read it page by page and apply and incorporate the suggestions. We guarantee that with each reading you will find one more tip or piece of information you haven't thought about and need to implement for your privacy protection plan.
The Identity Theft Resource Center would not exist without the groundwork and support of people like Mari Frank. We consider her our friend, and we are proud to have her wise counsel as a member of our Advisory Board. Because of her expertise as attorney, professional trainer, and sheriff reserve, we cannot think of a better person to write this book. Mari will effectively guide you on your journey through the world of safeguarding your identity. "
Linda Foley
Executive Director, The Identity Theft Resource Center
