Sheriff Michael Bouchard made an appearance at the Orion Township Public Library last month to talk to citizens about keeping their identities safe.
‘Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, not just in our area, but in the nation,? he said. ‘Be more judicious in giving out your information.?
According to Bouchard, much of the information the public thinks is personal and private is readily available for those that know how to find it, but there are ways to make it more difficult to find.
The first preventable step he offered is to purchase a crosscut shredder, and use it when throwing out any paperwork with personal information on it.
?(Identity thieves) go through the garbage,? Bouchard said. ‘Shred that information.?
He added that when sending out any mail with checks and personal information, you should find a blue, secure post office box.
According to Bouchard, there are also steps you can take to ‘make it more difficult? for thieves to steal your identity when making purchases online.
First of all, he recommends making sure to always update the computer’s virus and firewall protection, and to make sure you are continually purging your temporary Internet files and caches. Bouchard added to make sure you turn off your computer and Internet once you are done with it, since thieves can gain access remotely.
Second, if possible, Bouchard said, is to use two different computers ? one for working with your finances and another to ‘surf? the Internet.
‘If you want to be hyperactive, but still make purchases online, put a certain amount of money on a prepaid debit card or have a credit card with a low limit,? he added, noting that its important to know who you are doing business with.
Bouchard said it’s important to watch your credit cards, looking at both purchases and purchase amounts, as well your credit report.
‘Check your credit report at least once a year and see if there are any inquiries on there or any suspicious activity,? he said.
According to Bouchard, he also doesn’t use an ATM that isn’t from a recognized bank, except in the case of an emergency, as a background check is not required to own an ATM.
Bouchard said most criminals are ‘opportunistic.?
‘Ninety-nine-percent of criminals are looking for an easy mark, easy access,? he said. ‘As you do these things to protect yourself, it gets to the point it’s not worth it.?
‘It’s not necessarily preventing crime, but it’s deterring it,? Bouchard added.