Maybe it’s the Trojan horse of convenience We live in an age of digital convenience—a click here, a tap there, and everything comes to us instantly. In these cases, the old-fashioned way is literally the best way. That’s even more true when we agree to put a special emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable among us from identity theft. When I say in-person verification, I mean in-person verification.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "In-person? That sounds like a hassle!" And yes, it will require more time and attention than just completing an online questionnaire. Believe me, the coffee break of tranquility it provides is worth it. It is most protective for those at highest risk.
In many ways, identity theft is a silent epidemic – a ghost that might haunt your financial life for decades. While it’s a crisis that can strike anywhere, many communities have been hit harder than others. It’s no wonder that children are prime targets for criminals. Their clean credit histories make it considerably easier for these offenders to produce synthetic identities. These synthetic identities are a Frankensteinian monster of real and fake information, used to open fraudulent accounts and wreak havoc. Then there are older adults, who tend to be more trusting and less tech-savvy, making them easier marks for scams.
One such case I recall reading about involved a grandmother. She nearly lost all her life savings to a new phone scammer who was posing as her grandson. The scammer was able to persuade her that he was in peril and required cash immediately. She sent him thousands of dollars before later learning that none of it was real. Stories like these fuel my love for these lands. They are living reminders of why it is more important than ever to protect our most vulnerable populations from fraud and abuse.
At the same time, we have tax-related identity theft, where criminals file fraudulent tax returns to grab unsuspecting victims’ refunds. Or medical identity theft, where criminals use your information to receive medical care themselves. The impact of identity theft can be catastrophic, resulting in bankruptcy, ruined credit, and in some cases, severe distress. Recently, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) published its 2023 Consumer Impact Report. It found that 16% of victims of identity theft have had suicidal ideation.
That’s the beauty of in-person verification. By limiting who can access lists through ID verification in person, we can create a substantial hurdle for fraudsters. That’s because it is vastly more difficult to impersonate someone in real life compared to online scholarly pursuits. It’s like having a physical bouncer at the door. They scan tickets and make sure the proper people are allowed entry!
I understand that having to physically verify your identity is an inconvenience. This is even more prevalent for those who live at a distance or face mobility barriers. There are things that can be done to improve the overall accessibility of the process. For example, we can offer flexible scheduling options for in-person appointments, provide clear instructions and guidance on the verification process, and train frontline employees to handle sensitive situations with empathy and understanding.
Let’s consider other ways we could verify. For members who would have a difficult time participating in person, we can provide solutions such as video conferencing. We must find a better balance between security and accessibility. Ensuring that we are doing right by vulnerable populations but not causing undue harm should be everyone’s top priority.
Critics may contend that in-person verification isn’t a magical silver bullet, and they’d be correct. No system is without flaws. It’s not the perfect plan by any means, but it’s a huge step in the right direction. This proactive measure stops identity theft before it hits you. Instead of waiting for it to happen and just responding, act in anticipation! It’s like the difference between locking your door before you leave the house and calling the police after you’ve been robbed.
I've seen firsthand the impact that community organizations like the ITRC can have on the lives of identity theft victims. They offer these services at no cost, including financial counseling, legal counseling, and advice on managing debt. Beyond direct support, they actively collaborate with local businesses to create proactive educational materials and training sessions that center on the prevention of victimization. It's inspiring to see folks across the nation banding together to help support those whose lives have been shattered by this heinous crime.
Moreover, non-profits can protect donor information through a donor privacy policy, a formal, written statement explaining how they use and protect donors' private data.
The ITRC has grown inspired to adopt principles of identity protection and preservation. Through their efforts they’re constantly teaching the public and making things better by pushing for improvements that protect those who are most at risk.
As you can tell, I’m a big proponent of in-person verification as a tool in the fight against identity theft, particularly for our communities most vulnerable to ID theft. It’s not a silver bullet. It does provide a useful layer of protection that makes a real difference in people’s lives. It is only through this kind of collaboration that we will make our world safer and more secure for all.
Let’s accept back in-person verification as a gesture of mercy. It’s one of the most effective ways we can make sure to defend those who most need us to be their defenders. Let’s make their passage through the mazes of today’s world a little bit easier. We need to give them the tools to face life’s challenges without the fear of falling prey. Together we can help all Americans find opportunity to prosper without the threat of becoming a victim of identity theft hanging over their heads.
Let’s make this a just world so everyone can feel safe and secure. In this imagined world, we center the most vulnerable, and to be trusted is the norm, not a privilege. And that’s a world worth working for in person, tooth and nail.
