Personal Identifiable Information and Identity Theft

Since the late 1960s, Kemp and Associates has helped families to locate estate heirs and distribute assets according to intestate descent and distribution laws. In order to protect the interests of heirs and other family members who may be involved, Kemp and Associates has instituted privacy measures designed to reduce the risk of identity theft.

One of the most important factors in determining an individual's or business's risk of identity theft is the degree to which their personally identifiable information, or PII, is secure. This information includes not only one's Social Security number but also the person’s driver's license, bank account, and credit card numbers, as well as past tax information. If a person does not keep this information carefuly safeguarded, it is more likely that it will fall into the wrong hands.

It is also possible for identity thieves to secure sufficient data using secondary information, such as a person's former addresses and utility accounts or past credit offers. Any time this information is unsecured, even if it is in an envelope in the mailbox or in a recycling bin, it is accessible. Public data, such as a person's license plate or telephone number, is even more accessible, as are any social media posts that help thieves to know the person better.

Because so much information is available, it is important for everyone to keep as much of it private as possible. Whether transmitted in person or online, personal information should only go to trusted individuals and organizations that have transparent security and privacy policies. All passwords should be secure and as distinct as possible, and no one should carry such information on their person unless absolutely necessary.v