Think you’re more likely to have your identity stolen via your computer? Think you can’t do anything about identity theft? Think again.

More and more these days, consumers are being warned about identity theft. Newspaper and magazine articles, television reports, flyers in your monthly bills, even on-hold messages give the warning signs of identity theft…and with good reason. A report from the Federal Trade Commission cites 160,000 identity theft cases reported in the United States in 2002. In 2004, the number of U.S. identity theft cases rose to 9.3 million!

But what is identity theft and how can it happen? And should we even worry about it here in the Midwest where we feel relatively safe from other crime.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identification – including your name, social security number, or any account number – for unlawful activities. And, you may not realize it, but identity theft is a federal crime.

In addition to the alarming statistics about the occurrence of identity theft, you may be surprised to learn that even though consumers increasingly purchase goods and services via their computer, identity theft is more likely to happen the “old fashioned” way – from a stolen wallet, checkbook, credit card, even junk mail. According to the 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report, released by the Council of Better Business Bureaus and Javelin Strategy & Research, in 2004 computer crimes only accounted for 11.6% of I.D. theft, while 68% came from paper sources.

Protect Your Possessions

Think about it…you’re in the grocery store and realize you’ve missed the peanut butter on your list. You may not think twice about leaving your personal belongings in your unattended cart as you go to retrieve the missed item. But, think again.

Your purse, wallet and checkbook contain, literally, a wealth of information about you, your bank accounts and credit cards. Left unattended, they – and you – are at the mercy of anyone in the vicinity to quickly nab your information and begin reeking havoc with your money and credit. In the short time it takes for you to hurry two aisles away, grab the Skippy and get back to your cart, your identity could be in the hands of someone else.

The lesson – Never, ever, leave your purse, wallet or checkbook unattended, even in familiar surroundings, even for only a few seconds.

Shred Junk Mail

You grab the mail on the way in the house and quickly flip through the stack to find credit card offers, home equity “E-Z: checks and offers for loan consolidation. Before you disgustedly deposit all this junk mail in the trash, stop!

In the hands of the wrong people, your trash can become their treasure. Identity thieves are not above “dumpster diving” to retrieve the offers you’ve passed on, open accounts in your name, then use them to run up huge bills. These thieves are so sly they might process a change of address on the accounts to send the bills to a P.O. box or nonexistent address. You never receive statements, making it harder to track errant spending.

The lesson – Shred all junk mail, bank statements and credit card bills (after you’ve checked them over, of course, to make sure all the transactions are yours) before putting them in the trash.

Not All Identity Thieves are Strangers

Although strangers can silently attack your identity then flea unnoticed, you should also protect your vital personal account data from friends, family and acquaintances. Again, citing the 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by the Council of Better Business Bureaus and Javelin Strategy & Research, identity theft from family members occurred in 32% of reported cases and from a friend, neighbor or in-home employee in 18% of reported cases.

The lesson – Don’t leave papers containing your personal information, especially your social security number, lying around the house for anyone to see…and pick up.

Identity Theft Insurance

The surveys, news reports and warnings from credit card companies all add up to one fact: You can help protect yourself from identity theft by diligently guarding your identity at home, at work and where you shop.

One way to protect yourself is with identity theft insurance. This specialized insurance reimburses victims for the costs related to restoring identity and repairing credit.

Now, Gateway Insurance Services and their partner Allied Insurance offers Identity Fraud Expense Coverage. As part of your homeowners policy, Gateway’s Identity Fraud Expense Coverage covers out-of-pocket expenses like:

• Costs for notarizing affidavits or other documents
• Attorney fees
• Lost income
• Long distance phone calls
• And more!

Plus, compared to other coverage in the marketplace, Gateway’s Identity Fraud Expense Coverage is one of the most cost-effective. Only $25 per year provides up to $15,000 coverage!

With identity theft on the rise, Identity Fraud Expense Coverage from Gateway Insurance Services is a positive, proactive step you can take to protect yourself from the effects of this disturbing crime.

Call Gateway Insurance today and get more details about Identity Fraud Expense Coverage from one of our professional agents. Thank Goodness for Gateway!