Identity Theft Precautions in the Wake of a Natural Disaster

August 2005

The name 'Katrina' has taken on a terrible connotation in the last few weeks as the menacing hurricane has ravaged a series of cities, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

 

In such states of emergency, the atmosphere can be horrifying and sometimes nothing short of chaotic. Almost invariably, panic and desperation seize those affected by the disaster, leaving them too shaken and confused to think of safeguarding some of the most important components of their lives.

 

Indeed, when confronted by a natural disaster — regardless of the scale — people often can't see past the calamity itself. Rational self-interest sways a person to assume their natural instincts of survival: get out of harm's way as soon as possible. But, having done that, the survivors tend to forget the 'natural riots' associated with natural disaster, and the unfortunate fact that there are those who take advantage by scrounging for valuable personal items—not only jewelry and MP3 players, but information as well.

It is no secret at this point that identity theft is another disaster sweeping the country — and the proverbial 'eye' of the storm revolves around incompetent safeguarding of personal data. Its destructive force feeds off the apprehensiveness that obscures individuals' typical day-to-day common sense — a debilitating fear that is, unfortunately, completely irrelevant to the identity thief.

It's obvious that identity thieves won't be guided by ethical considerations. What potential victims need to remember, however, is that they also need to think beyond their immediate need to survive. This flies in the face of most people's conditioned response to disaster situations — situations where, fearful here and now for their physical well-being and that of their loved ones, people are more likely to pack Spike's doggy chow than collect or destroy bank statements, expired credit cards, birth certificates, or even passports.

Accordingly, there are certain basic precautions one should take to prevent a natural disaster from becoming an identity theft catastrophe — some which might seem counterintuitive.

When the individual has no choice but to vacate his or her home, it should be left protected with the strongest possible security measures. Shred, burn, destroy any unneeded documents containing personal information (Social Security, driver's license, credit card, phone numbers, postal and email addresses, and so on).

If identity theft is prevalent in the individual's area, he or she should consider leasing a safe deposit box at a local bank in which to secure such documents.

Any items containing personal identifiers that are not destroyed or safely secured should be in the individual's possession at all times. This is a rare scenario in which the individual should carry his or her Social Security number, birth certificate, passport, and similar articles.

To reiterate, it is paramount that individuals retain their composure during tumultuous events such as the Katrina juggernaut. Stolen identity may not be the first thing on your mind when word comes that a 500-mile-wide hurricane is headed in your direction. But remember that after a natural disaster, life goes on. Don't let identity theft compound the catastrophe.