Identity Theft Self Test

CONSUMER RESOURCES: Identity Theft Test

FS 101: Identity Quotient Test (co-written by ITRC and PRC)

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT? TEST YOUR "IDENTITY QUOTIENT"

  • I receive several pre-approved credit offers every month. (add 1 point) Add 2 more points if you do not shred them before putting them in the trash.
  • I receive several convenience checks in the mail (from credit card companies) every month. (1 pt) Add 2 more points if you do not shred them before putting them in the trash.
  • I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (3 pts)
  • I do not have a locked, secured mailbox or P.O. Box in which to receive mail. (1 pt)
  • I leave mail for pickup in an open box at work, clipped to a mailbox or in an unlocked box at my home. (2 pts.)
  • I carry my military ID or Medicare card in my wallet at all times. (1 pt)
  • I do not crosscut shred banking and credit information when I throw it in the trash. (2 pts)
  • I provide my social security number (SSN) whenever asked, without asking how that information will be safeguarded or why it is necessary for them to have it in the first place. (2 pts)
  • I don't check for people who might be listening when giving out information. (2 pts).
  • My SSN is publicly displayed or used at work or school. (timecards, receipts, badges) (1 pt for each violation)
  • I have my SSN or driver's license number printed on my personal checks. (2 pts)
  • My SSN is also my driver's license number and I have made no effort to change that. (2 pts)
  • I carry my insurance card in my wallet and either my SSN or that of my spouse is the ID #. (1 pt)
  • I have not ordered a copy of my credit reports for at least 1 year. (2 pts) Add 1 more point if it has been more than 2 years.
  • I do not believe people would root around in my trash looking for credit or financial information. (1 pt)
  • I am connected to the Internet but do not have (or know if I have) firewall software. (2 pts)
  • Subtract 1 point from your score for each of the following positive steps:
  • I have opted-out of marketing lists through my bank or at the 888-5OPT-OUT number. I keep an eye on my credit cards whenever they leave my hands to avoid skimming.
  • I do not respond to Internet scams and hang up on telephone solicitors.
  • I keep personal identifying information in a locked or protected area of my home, one that visitors can't access.

Each one of these questions represents a possible risk factor or protection against ID theft.

More than 20 points --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.

10-20 points --You understand identity theft crime trends but still have a ways to go.

0-9 points --Congratulations. Keep up the good work and don't let your guard down now.

Original ID Theft test provided by Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

Modified by ITRC Feb 2003. All rights reserved. Copyright- Identity Theft Resource Center and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. www.idtheftcenter.org