Identity theft and misuse of credit cards are increasing dramatically. The New York Times recently ran a front page article on this kind of theft and its increasing use in the largely unregulated and ever-expanding world of privately owned automated teller machines. The use of the Internet and frequency of telephone purchasing also imply some serious responsibilities regarding the means and methods of safeguarding our identities.

Identity theft often occurs through the fraudulent practice known as 'skimming' personal bank account information. The theft of identities including bank account numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs) can occur in a number of ways. Skimming devices can be placed inside ATMs purchased by the thieves or installed in fake keypads over legitimate ones. In addition, hidden video cameras may be used to capture this data.

The global wiring of banks and ATMs means that consumers can gain instant access to their money around the world. It also means that identity thieves can steal someone's banking identity in New York and, in a period of hours, withdraw money from the account in Europe. ATM thefts are unique in that, unlike credit card purchases, the banking community often does not absorb them.

While ATMs have been popular for many years, they became extremely popular in 1996 when surcharges were permitted on withdrawals. The surcharges enabled private entrepreneurs to profit by purchasing a machine for as little as $3,000. In addition to the pitfalls of identity theft, many users are legitimately charged twice, once by the machine's owner and secondly, by the bank that issued the card. No license or government approval is necessary.

According to The Times, privately owned ATMs have increased over tenfold from 7 percent of just under 150,000 machines in 1996, to 37 percent of over 350,000 machines in 2003. The balance of ATMs is bank-owned. A spokesperson for the New York State Banking Department said the agency was responsible to monitor only those ATMs for banks not for private ATMs owned by other businesses.

There is no system presently in place to estimate how much is lost through ATM related crimes. According to The Times, there is no government agency that knows how many are operating, where they are located and who owns them.

While ATMs technology may be foreboding, there are other methods and steps to safeguard our identities. When ordering checks, use only your initials instead of first name and middle name. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name; your bank will know how you sign your checks. If you feel you must put your phone number on your checks, use a work number instead of your home phone. If you have a post office box, you might consider using it instead of your home address. If you do not have a post office box, it may be advisable to use your work address. Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks; you can always add it if necessary. If you have it printed, anyone can get it. Finally, check with your banker to determine their rules concerning personal information options.

We live in an age of passwords, account numbers and credit card information. How can we keep track of all of them? A suggestion is the copying of the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card and other documents containing data that could be crucial if lost or stolen. You will then have a listing of the vital information carried in your wallet and be able to make quick calls to cancel accounts. Keep this photocopy and the phone numbers in a safe place, not in your wallet or pocketbook.

We should cancel our credit cards immediately if lost. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where the cards were lost or stolen, to advise credit providers you were diligent and concerned about minimizing your losses. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately and request a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means companies checking your credit will know your information was lost or stolen and they may be required to contact you to authorize new credit. The numbers of the three national credit reporting organizations are: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742; and Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289. If necessary, call the Social Security Administration's fraud line at 1-800-269-0271.

In discarding old bills, pay stubs and other documents concerning personal data, give some thought to using a shredder. Review credit card bills thoroughly and, if you don't understand a charge, call the company. Try to make certain when ordering merchandise on the Internet or telephone that you are dealing with reputable businesses. Safeguarding an identity is largely the individual's responsibility and can avoid some serious problems should it find its way into the wrong hands.