That's right...ID Theft is on the rise. Today at the EWBA Monthly Meeting (East Wichita Business Association), one Detective Lung, a 15 year Veteran of the Wichita PD approached the group on the topic of Identity Theft and ways to protect yourself.

His report was very clear and to the point: Identity Theft is on the rise. It's not going away and chances are it will happen to you or someone you know if you don't take the steps to insure your safety.

1. (Seems like a no-brainer, but..) DON'T keep your SOCIAL SECURITY CARD in your wallet or purse.
• The Point: You don't need it for anything in your day to day activity. If you come across a situation where you might need it, bring it with you that day. The odds are heavily against someone stopping you and quizzing you on proof of your citizenship by way of your SSN Card...
2. DON'T carry your Check Book around with you.
• The Point: More and more places aren't taking checks. There is no easier way for ID Thieves to get ahold of your identity than by swiping a purse with a checkbook in it. Just don't carry it. Don't use checks, use a debit card (see below).
3. DO use a Bank Check Card whenever possible; preferrably one without the ability to act as a credit card.
• The Point: Check Cards have a PIN number that acts as a password to your account. If they don't know the PIN, they can't use the card....at least not to get direct access to your bank account. While they may still be able to charge things, you can at least dispute those charges (most of the time).
4. DON'T sign your Credit Cards!! Put "Please See ID" on the signature block.
• The Point: Why would you give a thief the ability to practice and mimic your signature? By putting "Please See ID" you are obviously concerned about ID theft and if the clerk at all checks the back of the card, they are going to ask for your identification.
5. DON'T use the freaking MAILBOX in your front yard to mail OUT.
• People put checks, CC payments, etc. in their mailbox for the postman that are just easy pickings for ID thieves...they even put up that cute little red flag to let potential pilferers know there is something in there worth taking.

Why is all of this important?? According to Det. Lung, the law in Kansas is WAY behind in punishing offenders EVEN IF THEY CATCH THEM. The only criminals Kansas is sending to the slammer are the murderers, rapists and high profile burglars.

For offenses like ID theft, they rank right up there with shoplifting, DESPITE the incredible damage they can do to a person's credit.

Kansas has a 3-strike rule for ID Thieves. The first offense is PROBABTION...that's right, they slap them on the wrist and send them packing. The second is a large fine and perhaps extended probation....only on the THIRD offense, does the offender ever see jailtime.

Don't help these people perpetuate their crimes. Think smart. Believe it CAN happen to you. They are out there, they ARE waiting and they are NOT going to be punished for it. It's up to you to defend against it.