Are You At Risk For Identity Theft?

The Identity Theft Resource Center [1] (ITRC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and implementing a comprehensive program against identity theft -- in supporting victims of identity theft, broadening public awareness and understanding of identity theft, and decreasing the potential victim population.

Take this "Identity Quotient" test, offered by the ITRC, to find out if you are at risk of identity theft.

1. I receive several offers of pre-approved credit every week. (5 points) Add 5 more points if you do not shred them before putting them in the trash.

2. I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (10 points)

3. I do not have a PO Box or a locked, secured mailbox. (5 points)

4. I use an unlocked, open box at work or at my home to drop off my outgoing mail. (10 points)

5. I carry my military ID in my wallet at all times. (10 points)

6. I do not shred or tear banking and credit information when I throw it in the trash. (10 points)

7. I provide my social security number (SSN) whenever asked, without asking questions as to how that information will be safeguarded. (10 points) Add 5 points if you provide it orally without checking to see who might be listening.

8. I am required to use my SSN at work as an employee or student ID number. (5 points)

9. I have my SSN printed on my employee badge that I wear at work or in public. (10 points)

10. I have my SSN or driver's license number printed on my personal checks. (20 points)

11. I am listed in a "Who's Who" guide. (5 points)

12. I carry my insurance card in my wallet and either my SSN or that of my spouse is the ID #. (20 points)

13. I have not ordered a copy of my credit reports for at least 2 years. (10 points)

14. I do not believe that people would root around in my trash looking for credit or financial information. (10 points)

Each one of these questions represents a possible avenue for an ID theft.

100 + points – More than 500,000 people will become victims of ID theft this year. You are at high risk. We recommend you purchase a paper shredder, become more security aware in document handling and start to question why people need your personal data.

50-100 points – Your odds of being victimized are about average. Higher if you have good credit.

0-50 points – Congratulations. You have a high "IQ." Keep up the good work and don't let your guard down now.

Related Resources

Discover ways to lessen the risk [2] of identity theft.

Find out what you should do [3] if you discover that your identity is stolen.