Fear of lost or stolen credit cards ranks as the highest identity theft concern among consumers. However, more serious and costly threats are considered less worrisome, according to a poll by the Better Business Bureau in August 2012.

Thirty percent of the respondents ranked credit card loss or theft as their greatest ID protection concern. Another 23 percent worried hackers would steal credit card and personal data from a business database. Rated least concerning, by 14 percent of those responding, was the disposal of personal papers in the garbage. Also low on the anxiety list was use of credit card information online (18 percent) or on the telephone (15 percent).

“Losing or having a credit card stolen is certainly a worry,” said Kim States, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona. “However, credit card companies have elaborate security programs to quickly stop credit access and limit consumer financial exposure to fraudulent use. On a rating scale, credit card loss is towards the less distressful end, though it should always be guarded against.”

States explained that consumers should be most worried about the material they have the most control over, their personal papers in the trash. Yet, he said, this was the area where the fewest expressed concern.

“Papers with personal data and credit card numbers on them can be a treasure trove of information for fraudsters, and a serious risk to consumers,” said States. “Shredding these types of documents is essential for any type of personal identity protection plan.

“Personal documents that are not shredded can be used without any safeguards or the consumer’s knowledge until the person’s credit score suffers or a bill appears from use of a credit card that the consumer never applied for.”

Hackers getting access to business databases is a growing concerning and one that will likely continue, States noted. However, businesses continue to take action and improve their security.

“Consumers need to take control over what they have their hands on,” urged States. “Guard credit cards and shred any documents with personal information. These are two actions every person can take to lessen the risk of their identity being stolen.”

For more consumer tips, visit www.tucson.bbb.org.

Disposing of outdated office computers, printers and copiers the right way is not only important for protecting the environment, it also staves off the efforts of data thieves. Better Business Bureau explains the three steps necessary for small business owners to dispose of old office equipment safely and securely.

Electronics contain toxic poisons such as lead, mercury and cadmium which if they are just tossed into a landfill will eventually leak out and pollute the soil and water.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 1.84 million tons of TVs, computers, printers, cell phones and other electronics were discarded primarily into landfills in 2007.  Only 18 percent of discarded electronics were recycled that year, however, the EPA notes that e-cycling is growing in popularity perhaps due to mandatory programs in some states.

“When tossing old electronics you need to consider both the environmental and data security concerns,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Computers, cell phones and copiers not only contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the environment, they also contain a wealth of information that data thieves would love to get their hands on.”

BBB recommends taking the following step to ensure that all hazardous and data sensitive office equipment is disposed of the right way:

Step 1: Identify hazardous and data-sensitive electronics

The following office equipment contain toxic materials or sensitive data and should be recycled responsibly and not just tossed into the garbage:

• Computer CPUs
• Mobile phones
• Copiers, Printers and Fax Machines
• Monitors, Keyboards, Speakers and Mice (more…)