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Identity Theft Shield
Aug 22, 2005
Author: IdentityTheftSurvival.com
Identity theft is a crime that occurs when someone uses your name, social security number, credit card number or other personal information without your permission. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America; according to a recently released Federal Trade Commission survey, 27 million Americans have been victimized within the past five years.
Victim Matt McGrigg knows first-hand how difficult and time-consuming recovering from identity theft can be. When his wallet was stolen, the thieves accessed every penny of his checking account, leaving no money to pay bills. “The days and weeks that followed were completely consumed with my attempts to minimize the damage,” McGrigg said.
The good news is that there are ways to help keep your information secure including:
* Don’t leave your wallet or statements lying around—even at home.
* Keep track of your credit card receipts and carbons.
* Never tell anyone your card number over the phone, unless you initiate the phone call.
* Never allow your credit card number to be used as identification.
* Collect your mail regularly and destroy unwanted credit solicitations.
* Monitor your credit statements.
If you become a victim, time is of the essence. Acting quickly can help limit the potentially impact.
Here are the steps to take when someone steals your identity.
* File a police report.
* Immediately notify issuers of credit.
* Contact the fraud department of each of the credit reporting agencies to place a temporary 90-day Fraud Alert on your file.
* Monitor your credit file.
* Contact your local state Attorney General’s office, the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission (877-IDTHEFT).
Identity theft is recognized as a serious social issue by agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the Untied States Secret Service. For more information about protecting your good name, visit www.usdoj.gov or www.consumer.gov.
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Copyright 2005 |
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