But although adding an extra identity check to such financial transactions improves security, doesn't it also add complexity and inconvenience?

ECONOMIST: Security

Mr. Merah was arrested by Afghan police during a routine identity check in Kandahar and put on a flight to Europe, prosecutors say.

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Mejia already was a little behind after his arrival to camp from the Dominican Republic was delayed because his visa was flagged for an apparent random identity check.

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Credit and debit card fraud has increased by 53% over the last two years, which is why banks sometimes check the identity of the card user if a transaction is taking place abroad.

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An old slogan was dusted off about using housing, employment and identity papers to keep numbers in check.

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Third, identity systems must be able to check who is asking for the information, not just hand it over.

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As the author of "Your Evil Twin: Behind the Identity Theft Epidemic, " Sullivan shreds check statements and never answers e-mail solicitations.

NPR: Identification Theft: Protecting Your Personal Data

Among other benefits, it might be a way to check the current epidemic of refund fraud related identity theft.

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