Identity theft is a crime so common that if it hasn't happened to you personally, you probably know a victim.
So why are so many people still being victimized?
Part of the problem may be at home, but part may be at work.
Identity theft can happen to anyone, from the oldest senior to the youngest baby. If you've got a social security number, you're a potential victim.
Even if you're a member of the US Secret Service.
"Send your $29.95 and we'll cure it for you. Well after I did that, I realized maybe I better find out what this company is. And I searched this company and all the Google searches came and said it's not a legitimate company. So I got stuck."
Prior to his retirement from the secret service, Branch Walton protected Nixon, Carter and Reagan. Now he does volunteer lecturing to protect all of us from identity theft. What does he say you need to do to keep from becoming a victim?
"Don't carry any more personal information with you in your wallet or purse than you have to. Check your credit card and bank statements regularly. You can do it more than monthly through the internet...and just be alert to anyone who's trying to solicit personal information from you.
According to branch, about half of protecting yourself you can do...the other half, however, comes from the way others who have our information take care of it.
Including Uncle Sam. For example, military IDs still have social security numbers on them: ironic considering the number of government reports and hearings on id theft.
