However let's be realistic, there are still bad guys out there. This kind of problem is what BBB online is trying to avoid. And for almost 100 years, online shoppers and businesses have kept on supporting BBB online to prevent crimes such as identity theft from happening.

According to the report of the Federal Trade and Commission, there have been approximately 10 million victims of identity theft in 2002 alone. This number simply increased in 2005, where 15 million Americans have fallen as victims. This has not only caused financial damage to consumers but also to institutions and businesses- costing billions of dollars in loss annually. Some people think that identity theft is far from reality- until it happens to them. But let's be proactive this time.

What then can any individual do to avoid this from happening? As a consumer always be careful where you keep your credit card number, bank account information, driver's license and so on. And most importantly be cautious of where you use them. Make sure that you only share it when necessary on transactions with reputable businesses.

Better Business Bureau now then comes to the rescue. BBB online adheres to taking care of a fair and ethical market, where consumers and sellers do trust each other. In this endeavor, they have established a standard of trust that businesses must follow in order to maintain trust from consumers and encourage optimum performance from the seller. BBB online awards an accreditation seal to complying businesses, however, not all businesses are privileged to be awarded. That's why having a BBB seal accreditation is such a high degree of honor! For you to receive a BBB accredited business, you must be approved by the local board of directors.

What does a BBB seal tells an online consumer about the business you're dealing with?

- It is accredited according to the highest standards.

- It complies to its standard of business practice and consumer satisfaction

- Your private and sensitive information such as name, credit card number, etc is protected.

- It is legitimate and has been in the industry for at least a year.

- And in case of any dispute, BBB online will work to resolve the customer's case.

On the other hand, if you do have a business, how can you protect your customers and yourself from identity theft? One way to look at it is to handle personal information from consumers just like cash. Treat it with outmost care because the consequence is even larger! Losing personal information to thieves can cost you a lot. So limit the amount of personal information that you collect and if it cannot be avoided at least only keep those that are essential but only for a certain period- for as long as it's needed. Plus update your security measures regularly and invest in information verification services so that consumers will feel secure in shopping in your website. Consumers are now informed about trusted seals. 93% of consumers believe that every online business must have a kind of trust seal. Although not every consumer may completely know what a trust seal is when you ask them, for sure that when they see one on a website it will increase their likelihood of buying.

BBB online with its vast power in advocating policies works together with government agencies, to reveal the fraudulent scams committed against businesses. They are one of the leading and most established institutions that prevent identity theft; however being a BBB online member may be a hefty cost particularly for a small to medium business owner. An alternative can be in using other certification or trust seals apart from BBB Online's. There are also providers that deliver the etc. Well, at the end of the day it all boils down to getting the trust seal protection that can maximize your sales opportunity while protecting you from identity theft.

Katrina loves to write and is dedicated to doing her best in all that she does.