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Identity Theft: Saving Face

By KRISTEN STERNBERG | NIE Educational Consultant

Identity theft is on the rise, due partly to the increasing number of electronic databases that hold information such as Social Security, driver's license or bank or other account numbers. "Thieves use various means to steal your personal info," reads the headline of another article published not long ago in The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Take a moment to read the two articles, if you haven't already done so, to learn more about identity theft and how you can protect yourself. What solutions can you think of to help solve this crisis?

Although identity (ID) theft has become a national epidemic in the Information Age (one term for the era we live in), it's really just a new name for a crime that's been around for years. In general, ID theft is the use of people's names or other personal data without permission. The term itself isn't very accurate, because your identity is really who you are inside, not what you are called by others. People who are victims of ID theft don't lose their identities; just the names and numbers they are formally identified by. It is still, however, an act that can cause lots of trouble for its victims. ID thieves might use stolen information to open accounts with credit companies or banks, borrowing money in your name. Some collect and then sell lists of names in an underhanded manner. Another form of ID theft is using a stolen credit card number to buy items illegally. You might not even know your card number has been stolen until you get a bill for things you didn't order!

While thieves have even been known to sift through trash bins for personal information, theft of data over the Internet or other information systems is much more common. Not many kids, however, have their own credit cards or personal bank accounts. What other ways are there to become a victim of ID theft? Are young people at risk, too?

All consumers, including kids, are potential victims if they don't follow certain precautions while online. You probably already know not to give your last name, home address or phone number to anyone while chatting on the Web. Did you also know that a Web site must get your parent's or guardian's permission before it collects information about you? Sites that share your concerns about online privacy typically provide a Privacy Policy link so that you may learn what it does with that information.

While the nation may put a high value on privacy, many Americans also value invasions of other people's privacy. This is evident in the success of "reality" TV shows like "Survivor" and "Temptation Island." Privacy is also a local issue. A proposed law for Floridians, if passed, will require that upon obtaining a driver's license, you will not only be fingerprinted but also have your face scanned. This information would be stored in a database that could potentially get into the wrong hands. That is to say, there is a risk of the information being misused. Another privacy topic currently under consideration is whether Florida automobile license plates (tags) should display identifying information about the owner, such as where he or she was born. Opponents feel this could open the door to profiling (the practice of treating people unequally based upon race, religion, etc.).

Although protecting identity and other privacy issues must carefully monitored, most people will agree that using information databases to catch criminals is another matter entirely. Law-abiding residents typically support providing officials with all the tools they need to track down criminals. In these cases, there is a perceived need for keeping all kinds of data, even though it could be misused. There is, therefore, a real struggle going on to balance the need for information databases with the potential for their misuse. How would you resolve it? Read on for some activities, ideas and more information concerning identity theft.

Try these interesting activities using The Daytona Beach News-Journal

1. Some identity thieves may temporarily succeed in stealing identifying information about you, but no one is able to steal your real identity, that is, the things about you that make you unique. Search The News-Journal for words, phrases, photos and other illustrations that you feel describe a part of who you are. Arrange your clippings on poster board in the form of a collage, and share your creation with people close to you. (Sunshine State Standards SS.B.1.2.5, SS.C.2.2.4, SS.C.2.2.5, V.A.B.1.2.1, VA.B.1.2.2, VA.B.1.2.4, VA.C.1.2.2)

2. Imagine that you have been hired to work in a business or corporation that keeps extensive personal information on employees, clients, etc., and that you have access to those records. How would you help to keep the data safe? Use The News-Journal's Classified section to find one or more job listings that require data entry. Brainstorm ways your actions might preserve the integrity of such data. If possible, call one of the advertisers and ask what measures have been taken to reduce the chance of ID theft. (Sunshine State Standards LA.A.1.2.2, LA.A.2.2.2, LA.A.2.2.5, SS.D.1.2.1, SS.D.1.2.4, SS.C.2.2.5, SS.D.1.2.5)

3. Developments in computer and communications technology make it possible for vast amounts of data to be stored. Search The News-Journal for articles about other ways in which technology is changing our lives. Write a report about what you learned, and present your findings to a classmate or friend. (Sunshine State Standards LA.B.1.2.1, LA.B.2.2.1, LA.B.2.2.3, LA.B.2.2.5, LA.B.2.2.6, S.S.C.2.2.5)

4. Many cases of ID theft involve stolen credit card, bank account, license plate or other numbers. Telephone listings, street addresses and dates are also composed of numbers. In what other ways are they used? Skim several sections of The News-Journal and circle every number you see. If you can find 10 or more ways that numbers are used, you've earned a gold star! (Sunshine State Standards MA.A.1.2.4, MA.A.2.2.2, S.S.C.2.2.5)

5. Our names become an important part of our identity. Is your name unique? Over a period of several weeks, check The News-Journal for announcements of births and birthdays, keeping a record of each name you find. Do any of the names listed match your own? Try to determine the most "common" name or names. Create a chart of your findings and display it publicly. (Sunshine State Standards LA.A.1.2.2, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.A.2.2.8, LA.B.2.2.2, SS.B.1.2.5)

A copy of Florida's Sunshine State Standards can be found at intech2000.miamisci.org.

Check out these links to learn more

The United States Government offers a web site with tons of information about identity theft. Are you at risk? Read about how some identity thieves work and how you can minimize your risk. www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

As part of our government's campaign against fraud, this site provides interesting resources and many links to help protect all consumers. www.consumer.gov/knowfraud/

Identity theft and other privacy issues affect kids, too—especially while surfing the Internet. Take a look at these important things you should know about surfing, privacy and your personal information. www.ftc.gov

Here's a site that may bring money matters close to home. Movies, food, clothes, transportation, cell phones, a college education-all require cash or credit. Unfortunately, many teenagers have yet to learn good money sense. Find out how what you don't know about money can cost you! www.lifesplaybook.com

The Newspaper Association of America's web site contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. and around the world, which may contain additional news stories about this topic. To access the newspapers at the site, select a state. Click on the "Internationals" button to view choices from other countries.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal NIE Program, published April 8, 2002

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