Think Like a Spy – Identity Theft Protection Tips

Feb 03

Ashley ChalmersTips for Meeting Planners , , , , Comments Off

Think like a spy. 

This was the advice given to the Rocky Mountain Chapter of MPI at a seminar conducted by John Sileo during the January monthly meeting.

John’s background in identity protection came the hard way.  His identity was stolen from his business and used to embezzle almost a half-million dollars from his clients.

While the thief (his best friend and business partner) covered his crimes using Sileo’s identity, John and his business were held legally and financially responsible for the felonies committed.

Identity theft is one of America’s fastest growing crimes and a top concern among all Americans.

And to bring it “closer to home,” it turns out that the meetings industry is perhaps the most vulnerable target when it comes to this type of offense.  Given our propensity to travel often and with visible technology (i.e. Smart phones, laptops, Blackberries, etc.) while spending large amounts of time in airports, hotels and restaurants – we need to learn to protect ourselves from identity thieves, hackers and cyber spies.

Some of the most aggressive thieves are maids and restaurant workers needing new identities to bring family/friends to our country illegally.  Some of the ways to fight back are simple:

  • If you have to leave your computer in your hotel room, forgo having your room cleaned that day.  Leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to discourage entry.
  • If you have to pay by credit card in a restaurant, try to keep the card in sight after you hand it over to the waiter – or take it to the cashier yourself.  Better yet…pay cash!
  • Do not use unsecured wireless outlets such as Starbucks or airport/hotel “free” internet service in the public domain.  These areas are often stalked by “sniffers” who can eavesdrop on unprotected connections.
  • Verify your credit card billings on a frequent basis and respond promptly to Account Alerts.

Beyond travel, it is also important to cultivate personal discretion.  We need to develop a “Privacy Reflex” that will help us to detect and avoid fraud.   Few of us have ever been trained to respond appropriately when someone requests our sensitive information.

Think of how easily you give your data away on the Internet when someone promises you a free gift.  To proactively protect valuable information assets, be very defensive if approached with the following comments!

  • Trust me! 
  • It’s for your safety…
  • We need to hurry…
  • I just need a little more of your information…

Our immediate reaction should be interrogation – gain control of the situation by asking aggressive questions.  Make them justify why they need the information instead of trusting that they have your best interests in mind.

For more information on building a foundation of personal protection, go to http://www.ThinkLikeASpy.com.

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