Identity theft is no laughing matter

Excerpt:

According to a recent report by WalletHub, “2022’s States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud,” South Dakota has the fewest identity-theft complaints (per 100,000 residents) at 76. Rhode Island had the most, with 2,857. South Dakota also has the fewest fraud complaints (per 100,000 residents) at 549, compared to the highest, 1701, in the District of Columbia.

In addition to the state rankings, the article is well worth reading for its advice on preventing identity theft. Katina Michael, a professor at Arizona State University, advises caution in what you share online. “I have seen people post bank details on social media, their phone numbers, and much more. We have become lax, thinking that social media platforms are ‘safe’ or that certain pieces of information (even our full name) are not sensitive pieces of data.”

Fortunately, banks and credit card companies routinely pick up any losses incurred when a card is fraudulently used. I have never lost a dollar in actual funds from identity theft. This does not mean no cost is involved. Shutting down the credit card or bank account, getting a new number, and having to set up any automatic payments all over again can require hours of time. That cost, plus the anxiety and frustration, mean that identity theft is not a laughing matter.

Source: Rick Kahler, 31 January 2023, “Identity theft is no laughing matter”, Farm Forum, https://www.farmforum.net/story/news/columnists/2023/01/31/rick-kahler-identity-theft-is-no-laughing-matter/69858515007/