We have seen a lot of recent legislation working to combat the increase seen in identity theft. The government has enforced new red flag regulations that will alert consumers to any possibilities that they have been the victims of identity theft. With all the recent regulations in effect it is still up to companies who maintain highly confidential information to ensure proper maintenance and use common sense when dealing with consumers personal data. 

 

It was recently reported by Fox Memphis that a company had discarded employment applications in the trash which in turn were stolen and the personal information listed was used to steal between $30,000 and $60,000 dollars in merchandise. The article by Fox Memphis states, “Ashley Johnson swiped the paperwork and then used the personal information to go shopping, taking out as many as 100 accounts in the names of those job applicants at stores like Macy’s, JC Penny’s and Target.” 

 

With all the legislation in place to combat this criminal behavior, the most powerful tool we can have is common sense. Companies should be aware of how to properly maintain confidential information and be able to ensure safety to consumers whose information they possess. If these applications had been shredded and discarded properly, Ms. Johnson would have never had the opportunity to steal the applicant’s personal information. It is my opinion that the death of common sense is our own worst enemy.