Fighting Back Against Identity Theft

While ID thieves are constantly changing their techniques and creating new ways to steal and use your identity, there are certain steps you should take to protect your identity from thieves. These include:

• Order a copy of your credit report every year from each of the three national credit bureaus and checking them for inaccuracies.

• Be sure to shred all credit card receipts and bank statements.

• Have your name removed from pre-approved credit mailing lists.

• Remove your name from telemarketing lists. (Get on the no-call lists.)

• Be sure to keep your PIN number in a safe and confidential pace.

• Take care to keep your PIN number hidden when you are using it at an ATM or other public location.

• Be sure to keep your computer virus protection updated.

• Use a secure browser when ordering online.

• Never respond to emails that ask you to enter or verify your account information.

• Avoid providing personal information over the phone unless you are the person initiating the contact.

• Never carry your social security number in your wallet or purse.

• If you find you are missing a monthly bill or statement, be sure to contact the creditor immediately.

• Shred any documents that contain personal information. We recommend a cross cut paper shredder, such as Fellows brand.

• Provide your social security number in person rather than on forms at medical offices and other facilities that may require it.

• Pay attention to, and ask for, privacy policies from companies you deal with.

Identity theft is much easier to prevent than it is to clean up after the crime has already been committed. Wouldn’t you spend less than $1 per day to prevent $7,000 of monetary loss, 600 hours of your time lost, and untold damage to your reputation? It is possible (see Give Me ID Protection.)

Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft. If you do find that your identity has been stolen, you must take immediate steps to clear your name and recover any funds stolen from you.

Here is a list of steps you can take if you find your identity has been stolen:

• Call the police and file a police report with them. Note: we have heard reports that some police stations are not accepting police reports on identity theft as there is really nothing they can do about and it is unclear if it is an issue for the police, FTC, FBI, etc.

• Place a fraud alert on your credit report by notifying any one of the national credit bureaus.

• Contact your financial institution and let them know that a thief may be using your name to conduct transactions. If you find any of your accounts have been tampered, with close them immediately.

• Contact your local FBI office and file a report.

• File a complaint with the FTC.

• Contact a reputable provider of identity restoration services. Be prepared to spend several thousand dollars for this service.

At all times you should work diligently to protect your identity and those of your children. Remember that criminals can find the information they need to steal your identity relatively easily.

You should always take the time to reconcile your bank statements and credit card bills to make sure that there are no unauthorized charges.

You should also keep a list of your credit card numbers and the phone numbers of your credit agencies so you can report a card lost or stolen in the event that a theft occurs. Also, keep a copy of your Social Security card, drivers license, insurance cards, passport and any other identifying documents in a safe place, such as a home safe that is bolted to the floor.

The reality is, even if you take all of these recommended steps for preventing identity theft, you are only scratching the surface. As we pointed out, many retail, financial, health care, government and other organizations are ‘losing’ your identity details every month. Remember, the best way to prevent identity theft is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

You owe it to yourself and your family to consider identity theft protection services. If you are interested in the service our research indicates is the most comprehensive and affordable you can:

E-mail us for an identity theft protection referral

Or

Visit our recommended identity theft protection service provider.

Continue to Next Page