Sometimes, businesses ask consumers for their personal information without really needing it.
Experts advise consumers to protect their identity by asking questions before giving out information..
Security data breaches happen often, and when they happen most times we only hear about them happening at big businesses or corporations.
"A lot of times for example consumers don’t even know that when a business is requesting information that they don’t need to provide all of it," says Timothy Caminos of the Hawaii Better Business Bureau.
For example, Caminos says your doctor does not need to know your social security and or account numbers.
"A lot of times businesses that ask for information they’re not really using all of it or need all of it they’re just using old forms or standard forms that they’ve had for years and years and years 49 and they’re systems have changed used data has changed," he says.
The Hawaii BBB advises consumers to ask businesses questions on why they need to know the information they are requesting.
Caminos says businesses can also help make sure their consumers information is protected.
"To ensure customers that they’re information is being held securely is to be very transparent about the information they use, how they use it, and the procedures they use to keep that information safe," he says.
National Protect your Identity week is October 20 to 27.
Hawaii BBB invites the Oahu community to BBB Secure Your ID Day on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at three locations on the island.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
