As the capabilities of cell phones and smartphones increase, so does the risk of identity theft. 82 percent of American adults own cell phones—and not just for making calls—according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Depending on the device, users are able to do everything from taking pictures to shopping and banking online.
"Essentially, today's cell phones are small computers," said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. "And whether it's a cell phone, smartphone, desktop or laptop, the same security measures are recommended."
Like computers, consumers should ensure all personal information was been properly removed from old cell phones before discarding. All data will be securely wiped from collected phones; or consumers can remove data before donating.
FREE Event: Recycle used cell phones and shred unwanted documents at BBB's Secure Your ID Day on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010. All data will be securely wiped from collected phones; or consumers can remove data before donating.
Anchorage, Alaska: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wells Fargo, Northern Lights & C Street Location, 301 W Northern Lights Blvd. Thank you to BBB's partners: Wells Fargo, Shred Alaska and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Alaska.
Portland, Ore: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Quantum Resource Recovery, Inc., 2700 N.W. Front Ave. Thank you to BBB's partners: Quantum Resource Recovery, Shred-it, and Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions.
Everett, Wash: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Banner Bank, 2531 Colby Avenue. Thank you to BBB's partners: Banner Bank, American Data Guard and Apprisen Financial.
Visit www.akorww.bbb.org/secure-your-id for more information.
BBB poses 5 questions to encourage mobile device security:
1. What are phones used for? Beyond making calls, 40 percent of Americans use the Internet, e-mail or instant messenger on their phone, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
2. What is stored on phones? Most phones store names, phone numbers, text messages and images. Advanced phones can also store addresses, birth dates, appointments, e-mails, documents, photos, videos, audio files, and more.
3. How can phones be compromised? Lost, stolen and hacked devices can lead to identity theft. Like computers, phones can contract viruses, sites can siphon private data, and unprotected networks can put consumers at risk.
4. How can consumers protect mobile devices? BBB offers the following tips:
· Never keep account or credit card numbers, passwords, PIN codes or Social Security numbers on portable devices. Avoid storing or messaging personal identifiers, such as birth dates or private photos—unless absolutely necessary.
· If online: Ensure the network is private and secure, consider purchasing anti-virus software for the phone, and avoid downloading from unverified sources.
· Lock it up. Set a password for your phone, voicemail box and other files, when possible. If the phone is Internet accessible, log-out of e-mail, social networking accounts and secured websites when finished.
5. What should consumers do if phones are lost, stolen or hacked? Notify the wireless carrier. If vital information is at stake, check BBB's steps for identity theft victims.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.
