As Hurricane Ike hit Texas, identity theft protection company CSIdentity offers the following tips to help people protect their identity as they evacuate the Gulf Coast. Ike is so far blamed for four deaths — two in Texas and two in Louisiana — where the storm flooded thousands of homes and cut power to about three million people.
1. Ensure original copies of important documents are safe. Original copies of birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards and other important personal documents should be placed in a lock box, which can be taken with you if you evacuate. These documents may be needed if you are forced to stay away from your home for days or weeks to come. Identification also will be needed if you must file insurance claims.
2. Protect your personal information. You should always be cautious about giving out your Social Security number or driver's license number and that holds even truer at this time. During stressful situations, people often do not think twice about telling someone their personal information. Before giving out any personal data, double check the source and find out why they need it.
3. Take your hard drive with you. If you do not own a laptop, taking your personal computer with you can be difficult and time consuming when you are trying to evacuate quickly. At the very least, take the computer's hard drive. This also can be placed in your lock box and should be kept with you at all times.
4. Be careful when using the Internet. A number of businesses often offer free Wi-Fi access along hurricane evacuation routes. Before logging in to your online bank account or checking your credit card bill, ensure the connection is safe. If there is any doubt, don't log in. You never know who might be hacking the system to take advantage of unsuspecting evacuees.
5. Shred any personal documents lying around. Unfortunately, cities hit by natural disasters are often a feeding ground for looters and other criminals. Make sure you aren't making their job easy. Shred any personal documents (i.e., credit card bills, receipts, bank statements) that are lying around your house. This should be done on a daily basis anyway, but be sure everything is taken care of before you evacuate.
CSIdentity is the technology leader in providing identity theft protection services to the American public. The Austin, Texas-based company offers a comprehensive suite of business and personal security solutions targeting all aspects of identity theft. Its business and government clients include leading entities such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Rite Aid Pharmacy, CalPERS and Association Member Benefits Advisors. More information about CSIdentity can be found at http://www.CSIdentity.com. |
