CRIMETRACKER: Safe Guarding Your Identity

New York State ranks eighth in the nation in reported cases of identity theft. It's a relatively new crime, that's only been on the books for five years, but it affects victims of all ages and backgroundsIn the captial region, police say most cases invovle credit card accounts and stolen mail. bottom line:  this crime is so prevelant-- it's not if you become a victim, but when.

"Never in all of my life, I never thought I would be in this position."

81 year old Edith Lockett ran up a 15 thousand dollar tab at Home Depot Loews stores along the East coast, but she has nothing to show for it, because she didn't do it. Two years ago, someone stole her identity.

" I feel as though I was sort of robbed spiritually and of my personal strength and I have a lot of strength personally. This is one of the most frightening experiences I've ever had, That I had to deal with, pretty much alone."

Lockett learned of the breach after receiving a phone call from Citibank, about her Home Depot credit card account. The representative told her her identity had been seriously compromised.

"When he repeated "your personal information had been seriously compromised", I wasn't even sure what he was talking about, he said your social security information, your drivers license . . .I thought to myself, "How on earth.." because I had not lost either one. "

Turns out, as in most identity theft cases, the breach came from people she knew; an employee at the dealership where she leases her car coped her personal information and shared it with relatives, who then opened up multiple credit cards in her name.

Lockett is not alone. After three years on the run, Colonie Police finally arrested thieves, involved in a nation-wide "flip-bite and write" identity theft ring. Basically, they ripped off old ladies in supermarkets, distracting them long enough to take their wallets and sample what's inside. As one person is returning the wallet, a team of people are out in the parking lot copying the information into a computer and making fake ID's.

Often times solving these cases can take months or even years. Which is why some law enforcement agencies won't touch these cases. If they do and catch the thieves, there's no guarantee you'll get your identity back.  Accomplishing that is up to you and that could take the rest of your life.

To keep you safe, here's what you need to know:

-Control who has access to your home your mail and your garbage.

-When it comes to credit cards, keep open cards to a minimum and your limits low.

-When your shopping on line, never give out your personal and bank information.

-If you shop online use a credit card-- that way if your identity is breached, your out the credit and not the actual cash.

-Lastly--get ID theft insurance. It's usually pretty cheap and could give you an added piece of mind.

The Consumer Protection Board Suggests:

-Monitor your credit reports regularly--Remember, you get three free a year.

-Use a cross-cutter shredder when getting rid of personal documents or mail.

-Exercise caution when using the ATM: Make sure the machine is in a secure location and is affiliated with a reputable financial institution.

For more information on the Consumer Protection Board and Identity Theft go to:  www. nyconsumer.gov.