Review/Interview with JP Bloch on Valley Book Blog

From Linda VandeVrede at Valley Book Blog



Jon Bloch Writes From Personal Experience in Identity Thief


Can you take your personal experience and turn it into a psychological thriller? That’s what Jon P. Bloch, a Ph.D. criminologist, has done with his new book, Identity Thief.

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States, thanks to the Internet. According to Bloch (pronounced “block”), who teaches criminology at Southern Connecticut State University, there are approximately 10 million new cases of identity theft year. This means that about every 20 minutes, someone’s identity is stolen.

For authors, this presents an interesting dilemma. How do you get your name out there and build a platform, yet still protect your identity from being stolen? I asked Jon, who was a victim of identity theft himself, for some tips to pass along to other authors. In the long run, he points out, your personal safety is more important than promoting your work. He had this interesting but realistic perspective:

“If you have to close an account on a social media site and lose contacts, it is better than having to live in fear.”

So what should you do to be on the safe side? Here are 7 suggestions from Jon:

1. Set up an email account that is only for your writing business. That way you can keep better track of who’s who, and not give out too much information to the wrong person.
2. Be selective about replying to anyone who wants personal information. Do a web search for people or businesses that want to know more about you.
3. Secure your trash. Always tear up checks, bills or letters with any personal information about yourself and cut old credit cards with scissors. Chop everything into little pieces, and don’t put them into the same container. Do this regardless of whether or not you recycle. If you are getting rid of an electronic device, use a utility program and wipe it clean of personal data.
4. Secure your Social Security number. Any online, telephone or snail mail source that asks for this number should be checked out before you give it. Valid sources often only ask for your last four digits. If you don’t have a locked, secure mailbox, consider getting a PO Box for business transactions that require your Social Security number. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet, as it may get stolen.
5. Don’t tell your life story online. Even seemingly innocuous information such as the names of your children or pets can be important proof of identity questions at business-oriented websites. Do not post the name of your workplace, your phone number or your home address.
6. Be as secretive as possible. Use locks and encryptions whenever possible. If you can, use a login and password on your electronic devices if you have the option. Change your passwords often, write them down and keep them in a locked drawer.
7. Take identity theft seriously. Don’t assume it will never happen to you. It can happen to anyone.
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The novel is a quick read with a lot of plot twists.If you like psychological thrillers, you’ll appreciate how he has structured the story, alternating chapters between the viewpoint of the identity thief and that of the victim, Dr. Jesse Falcon. No one is whom they seem, and just as in real life, there are layers upon layers of deceit. That’s all I’ll tell you, without giving the plot away! Jon is interested in how and why people form the identities they do, and how relationships with others form who we are. We may see ourselves one way, but other people may see us differently. “I saw writing a novel about identity theft as a way of not only spinning a good yarn, but also exploring the issue of identity theft. I shared what I went through and learned firsthand.” 

I liked Jon’s brief acknowledgments at the back of the book, where he thanks Bacon Press and his manuscript editor, as well as thanking “the many people who taught me that their identities were not worth stealing, whereby I was stuck with my own.” It was also nice to see an “About the Author” page that was fun and tongue-in-cheek. In part, “He finally settled in Connecticut, where he is an indentured servant to his dog. JP writes on his king-size bed with the fan on. His hobbies include eating cashews while watching TV and overdosing on film noir favorites.” 


Read the article on Valley Book Blog