Identity Theft – Protecting Yourself From an Unprotected World is now available in bookstores across the nation. Below you will find excerpts from my introduction in Identity Theft.
Identity theft . . . It’s the fastest growing crime in America. J. Edgar Hoover, the notorious crime fighter who directed the FBI for 48 years, would be intrigued to learn about this new invisible criminal. A criminal who never uses a gun, never enters a bank or home, yet has the ability to steal money right out of your bank account or go on a major spending spree using your good name and credit cards! Welcome to the twenty-first century.
Have you seen those identity theft commercials where a woman is talking like a man or a man is talking like a woman? You know the one where a rough-looking man wearing a white t-shirt sitting in a chair is talking like a young girl who just went on a “fun” shopping spree. Or the one where the old lady with gray hair is talking like a younger man. You get this creepy feeling when you are watching those commercials. Well, identity theft should give you a creepy feeling, because it’s possible that some creep this very moment is using your good name to get a job, buy clothes, go on a cruise, or obtain a loan. It’s also possible that if they were arrested last night, they gave your name, your social security number and your address to the police.
Yes, there is a new thief on the prowl. He’s not after your jewelry, television set, or even your cash. What he’s after is far more valuable – your good name, your social security number, your address, your mother’s maiden name, your login name, your password, and your birth date.
These important pieces of personal data can provide the “keys” for an identity thief to open up credit card accounts in your name, buy cars and clothes, buy new TVs, go on cruises, work and avoid paying taxes, and even steal money right out of your bank or brokerage account.
Is it really a big problem? Let me answer that question by providing you with some important statistics that I document in my book.
- Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America and the top reported fraud in 2005.
- 80% of Americans are concerned about identity theft.
- An estimated 10 million Americans are affected by identity theft each year.
- The Federal Trade Commission estimates $50 billion are lost annually as a result of identity theft.
- 50 million people are at risk due to data being lost or stolen or misplaced by corporations.
- Many people are concerned, but few are actually building a wall of protection.
How much of a wake up call do you need before YOU begin to take action?
The most surprising aspect of identity theft is that most identity theft problems could be avoided if Congress would pass one simple law, yet our legislators are unwilling to act. (In my book, I explain what this law is and why Congress will not pass the legislation needed.) However, some states are to be applauded because they are taking matters into their own hands and implementing good solutions.
Identity Theft was written to help you build a hedge of protection around your personal and financial data. Protecting yourself is really a simple concept: the harder you make it for a crook to obtain your personal data, the lower your risk of having your identity stolen.
It’s not that difficult to build a wall of protection around your financial life. You just need to know what to be doing and what not to be doing. And there is no need to worry about the things you cannot control! This book is full of information, answers and specific directives.
In Identity Theft I answer the four big questions that everyone is asking about this critical issue.
- What is Identity Theft?
- How can I protect myself?
- What do I need to do if someone has stolen my identity?
- How can we solve the problem?
I worked hard to keep this a relatively simple book. You should be able to read it in one evening.
As Christians it is our responsibility to protect our good name. “A good name is more desirable than great riches…” Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
We are to be on the alert! Webster defines alert as: “watchful and ready, as in facing danger.” This book is a specific call for Christians to do just that – be on the alert!
Every person who has a bank account (whether you have an online account or not), investments, or a credit card is at some level of risk. Someone out there wants to steal your identity and have a good time at your expense.
With a little effort you can protect your good name in an unprotected world.
A word from Moody Publishers…
Stories of identity theft can fill us all with fear. But financial expert Ethan Pope offers tangible hope with lots of useful information in his new book, Identity Theft. My wife and I have implemented several of the practical steps Ethan offers in order to build our own wall of protection. May this helpful book do the same for you.
Greg Thornton
Publisher
Moody Publishers
Identity theft is a crime that affects victims both financially and emotionally. Ethan’s most recent book in the Financial Alert Series offers you the practical guidance you need to protect your good name.
John E. Hinkley
Director of Marketing
Moody Publishers