LifeLock’s grassroots campaign, Strike Back – Defeat Identity Theft Now, came to an end in Washington, D.C. on March 6, 2008 with the handing over of a petition that was collected along the tour and at their website www.LifeLock.com. The campaign and petition was designed to bring awareness to the crime of identity theft and in particular asked for 8 issues to be addressed by our political leaders. Identity Theft Labs decided to weigh in on the issues brought forth by LifeLock and on their comments that were published at Lifelock.com. Here is part 1 which addresses the first four issues.
- Limit the use of the social security number
LifeLockA law should be passed that would cut back on social security number usage. Though companies and organizations have started changing to ID numbers, the social security number is still part of many current and past records. These numbers must be minimally used and strongly protected.
Identity Theft Labs
We agree but want to point out that though this seems very simple it is actually a complex issue that will be difficult to implement and enforce. In fact with the amount of social security numbers exposed already it may be a better solution to implement a new National ID to replace the old SSN. We advocate for the research and debate of both options. - Stronger federal standards for lost or stolen data
LifeLock.comThe Data Accountability and Trust Act needs to be revised, making companies and financial institutions more accountable. Currently there is no reporting law for all 50 states. In other words, if a company or organization loses your information, they may not have to tell you about it, depending on where you live. Since January 2005, more than 225 million Americans have received notification that their personal information has been lost or stolen (more than 80,000 people a day). What would this number be if everyone who lost information had to report it?
Identity Theft Labs
Excellent point and one we have made before as well. First we need national reporting legislation, people need to be informed when their private records are compromised. After this it is important to pass legislation requiring anyone holding consumers sensitive information to adhere to minimal security protocols, procedures and regulations in regards to the acquisition, retention, distribution and storage of this personal data. Those that fail to meet minimal standards need to be held accountable. - Impose prison sentences
LifeLockA recent survey showed that 1 in 700 criminals never get prosecuted for this crime. Criminals know that this is a low-risk, high-reward crime, so why stop doing it? Law enforcement is doing the best it can to keep up with the growing number of complaints, but when criminals get handed probation after their arrest, they just go back to doing it again. Tougher sentences are needed to send a message that stealing personal information is the same as stealing a car, breaking into a house or robbing a bank.
Identity Theft Labs
Headway has been made in this area but so much work needs to be done. Increased prison sentences is a deterrent but we also need to train our officers on identity theft so that they can effectively deal with this epidemic. - Credit bureaus need to be user friendly
LifeLock.comAnyone who has ever tried to fix a problem with a credit report will understand why it needs to be an easier task. If you have been a victim of identity theft, all fraudulent accounts should be cleared on that report immediately. Someone who is or has been a victim of identity theft should not have to pay penalties or pay for losses financially or reputably.
Identity Theft Labs
We agree, clearing your credit report should not be the daunting task it currently is with the credit bureaus. Unfortunately it is not in the bureaus best interest to have your report cleared expeditiously and it is difficult for them to sort out the facts from the potential fraud. A completed investigation by an authorized authority that states a person was a victim of identity theft should mean the immediate clearing of their credit report. A simple identity theft report should flag the credit report and not negatively affect a credit score.
Each is an important issue, and though some need research and debate as we pointed out, others only need legislation that will hold people, companies and institutions accountable for their actions or lack thereof. Identity theft can be a devastating experience to the individual and their families and it is costing our economy so much that it is hurting all Americans. Our legislation has to protect individuals, deter criminals, hold the appropriate parties accountable and soften the blow experienced by identity theft victims. To do this we need to bring identity theft to the forefront of the American conscience and LifeLock took an important step in this regard. We will examine the other issues raised by LifeLock shortly but hope for now that we have given you something to think about, discuss and recommend to your elected officials.
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