Tony Evans asked:




What exactly is identity theft? The most recent statistics indicate that identity theft may be the fastest growing crime in the United States. The estimated cost of this crime is more than $50 billion dollars a year, with the average loss to the victim’s personal information being more than $6,000.

There are many things that you can do to help avoid being a victim of this crime. In this article we will describe things that you can do to help protect yourself as well as what to do if you become the victim of identity theft.

Purchase a shredder and tear up all unneeded financial papers. Shred all of the credit card offers you receive in the mail and do not want. Thieves can and often will rummage through your garbage, and all they have to do to obtain the card is sign your name. Do not use simple passwords when banking or conducting any financial transactions online. The best passwords are long ones, or passwords that contain a combination of numbers and letters. Don’t furnish your Social Security number, credit card number, or any financial information to anyone over the phone. Banks won’t ask for this information over the phone since they already have it. Don’t carry your Social Security card or any seldom-used credit cards in your wallet. If you don’t use them, don’t carry them. When you order personal checks, have as little personal information as possible printed on them. You should never put your phone number or social security number on your personal check.

If you do suspect that you have become the victim of identity theft there are some things that should do immediately. First call the fraud units of the three major credit bureaus and request a fraud alert be placed on your credit file. Next,you should report the suspected crime to your local police department. Make sure that you obtain a copy of police reports because creditors will often require confirmation that there was an alleged crime before they will conduct investigations. Next, request copies of your credit report from the credit bureaus to see if any fraudulent accounts were opened without your knowledge or. Call all creditors with whom your identify or identifying data may have been fraudulently used. Also, contact all financial institutions wherever you have accounts that an identity thief has acquired your account or where an account has been opened in your name without your knowledge. You should also place stop payment orders on any outstanding checks that have not cleared, as well as change your debit card, account, and PIN. Write down the names and phone numbers of people with whom you discussed your case and keep all original reports and supporting documents. You should also contact The Federal Trade Commission, this is the federal clearinghouse for identity theft protection and identity theft prevention. The many complaints about identity theft that the Commission receives assist it, and many other law enforcement agencies, track down, investigate and prosecute identity thieves. You can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone. If you determine that you are the victim of identity theft do not panic, but remember some of the guidelines mentioned in this article.

Jennifer

Manny Poohquiao asked:




It’s a disturbing thought that identity thieves out there might be able to access all your private information. This allows him or her to access even your bank accounts, mail, and credit cards. You need to be extra careful so you won’t fall victim to them. Here are some effective measures on how to prevent identity theft.

It’s a disturbing thought that identity thieves out there might be able to access all your private information. This allows him or her to access even your bank accounts, mail, and credit cards. You need to be extra careful so you won’t fall victim to them. Here are some effective measures on how to prevent identity theft.

Protecting Your Snailmail

- Empty your home mailbox promptly, as soon as the postman fills it. If you suddenly stop getting mail, call up the post office quickly. Sometimes, thieves forge your signature, then your mail will be forwarded to another place, providing them with information that can let them apply for credit while using your name.

- When disposing of your bank statements, destroy them completely by putting them through a shredder, before dumping them in the trash. Some identity thieves use trashed bank statements to access vital information. Loan applications and credit card receipts should be properly disposed, too. If you can, sign up for “online statements” only, so no bank account information will be sent to your mail.

Credit Card And ATM Safety

- Sign your credit card or debit card on the back. Sometimes, when there’s no signature, you risk an unauthorized use. To protect your signature, cover it with a piece of transparent tape.

- When you renew your credit card or debit card, make sure you destroy the expired card immediately.

- If your credit card, ATM or debit card is stolen, report it immediately.

- Don’t write personal checks to people you’re not acquainted with. Cash, a money order or a bank draft are more advisable. Personal checks contain your bank routing number and your bank account number, and using these, anyone can simply pull out funds from your account.

Internet And Computer Precautions

- Don’t use computers in public places (work places, public libraries, Internet cafes) when accessing credit cards, bank accounts or applying for credit cards. The passwords and user IDs you use can be stored on the PC as cookies, even after you log out. If it’s an emergency, and you must access your bank account in a public area, clear the stored cookies before logging out.

- When not in use, shut down your home computer, or put it to “sleep” mode. Openly-connected PCs can be accessed by hackers when left on standby.

- Update your computer. Spyware and keylogger programs can get passwords and sensitive data. Update your anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall. Also, don’t enter suspicious websites. Don’t click pop-ups.

Protecting Your Personal Numbers

- Be careful with your PIN (Personal Identification) numbers. Choose good, strong PINs that no one will guess. Try to memorize them, instead of writing them down. If you do write them down, don’t leave the list lying anywhere. Don’t write them on your ATM card and don’t place them in your purse or wallet.

- Be cautious when giving out your national insurance number or social security number. If an identity thief gets it, loan and credit applications are easier. Ask first how they’re going to be used and how they’ll be protected, before giving out these personal numbers to other people. Also, don’t carry around your social security ID all the time, except when you really need to use it.

Identity theft brings much inconvenience and trouble to people because of its shameful schemes. Don’t fall victim to these identity thieves, and always be vigilant with your personal information. By doing this, you’ll always avoid nasty identity theft scams.

Clifford

Jon Arnold asked:




You will want to do all that you can to prevent identity theft. Identity theft is a growing crime and its results can be devastating to the person whose identity is stolen. It can take years to straighten out or prove that your identity has been stolen. Identity theft prevention is something that you should take very seriously.

Most thieves can steal your identity simply from going through your garbage. Yes, you read that correctly. They will go through your garbage to get your tossed out credit card and bank statements. Never throw out this information in the trash. Buy a shredder that cross cuts the paper and credit cards that are put through. Shredding your financial documents is the first place that you can start to prevent identity theft. A decent cross cut shredder will probably cost under $75, but it is a wise investment and a small price to pay to prevent identity theft.

If you frequently use ATMs, make sure you can cover the keypad in such a way that no one can see what you are doing. If you notice anyone hanging around suspiciously or who is getting too close to you, leave the ATM immediately. There are thieves who are adept at shoulder surfing and can obtain your PIN number easily. You will be able to locate another ATM quickly enough to get your transaction done. If you have a bad feeling about a situation, it is best to listen to that inner voice and leave.

Never leave your outgoing mail in the mailbox for the postal carrier to pick up. Mail theft is another way that identity thieves can get your information. They can easily open your mail and change your address. Once that is done they can wreak havoc with your banking and credit card accounts and you won’t even know it for a month or two. It is worth the effort to mail your bills at the post office.

If you notice that your credit cards are about to expire, but you did not receive the new cards in the mail, call the credit card company. It is possible that someone changed your address and the new credit cards were sent to the thief’s address. Cancel in writing all credit cards that you no longer use. There is no reason to keep these accounts open and they are easy targets for identity theft. Keep a copy of the letter for your records so you have proof in case worse comes to worse.

Create different PINs and passwords for your accounts. If you are asked to provide your mother’s maiden name, don’t give it. Make up a maiden name! No one will know that it isn’t correct except you. Thieves will be able to find out your mother’s maiden name so it is not a name that is personal and original just to you.

If you can, have a mailbox that is a slot through your front door because it will prevent your mail form getting stolen from the mailbox. If that is not possible, consider getting a locking mailbox or having your mail get sent to a PO Box at the post office. This is one way to make your mail secure.

Samantha

Eric Paton asked:




Identity fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime in America. For the purposes of this article I will concentrate on Financial Identity Fraud. This is when a criminal assumes your identity in order to obtain credit, get loans, write bad checks, rent or buy property, buy vehicles and more.

When you are taken advantage of in this way it can harm many aspects of your life: reputation, credit history, bank account and so on. It takes a significant amount of time, effort and expense to get those items back in order after having been a victim.

Some facts about identity fraud:

1 million plus Americans will be a victim this year 1 out of 20 Americans has already been a victim It takes on average 175 hours and 2 years to clear name Identity theft is #1 consumer complaint filed with the FTC
How can you prevent Identity fraud?


Take time to shred your bills after paying them. Subscribe to a credit reporting service that sends you alerts about your credit If you can, pay your bills online using an encrypted website (most bank sites are already encrypted) Have your bills delivered to you via email and not paper mail Sign the back of your credit cards with the phrase “Please ask for Picture Identification” Be sure to shred all documents that have identifying information on them before throwing them out. Buy a cross-cut shredder (a bit obvious by now!) When out of town for extended periods of time, have the post office hold your mail! (especially if you get mail at your doorstep and not at a community collection box)

Taking the time to keep track of your identity can save you vast amounts of time, energy and money in the long run. Don’t be 1 in a million this year. Protect yourself.

Sylvia

Kurt Howard asked:




Identity theft can be one of the most stressful experiences you can ever have and falling victim to ID theft is becoming more and more common today. Although there are certain situations that are out of your control which can lead to identity theft, there are numerous steps you can take that will lower your risk of becoming an identity theft victim.

One of the easiest steps you can take to prevent identity theft is to obtain a copy of your free credit report every year. Due to the changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act each major national consumer reporting bureau is required to provide you a free credit report once a year.

When you request your free credit report choose to have your credit report printout contain only the last four digits of your social security number. This will help prevent anyone from obtaining your whole social security number should they get a hold of your report.

Another step to preventing identity theft is to keep all of your personal documents safely stored in your home. All personal documents should be stored within a locked container such as a safe or file cabinet. This is especially important if you employ anyone at your home such as a babysitter or maid.

Password protecting your credit card and bank accounts with a password that is not easily linked to you is also important for preventing identity theft. One password that you should refrain from using is your mother’s maiden name. Other poor choices are your telephone number, anniversary or birthday. Many credit card and bank account will use your mother’s maiden name as a default password, however you should ask to choose a different password that is more secure.

One of the most common causes of identity theft is from your trash. Make sure to use a shredder when you are disposing of old paperwork, confidential documents or mail. Paper shredders have become very inexpensive and are one of the best devices for preventing identity theft. They are the easiest way that you can help prevent someone from digging through your trash and finding personal information.

Finally, when mailing anything that contains personal information take the mail directly to the post office or a postal mail box or to the post office. This is extremely important if your outgoing mail box is not in a locked or secure.

Following these simple steps can greatly decrease your odds of becoming an identity theft victim. Identity theft become a very large problem and should not be taken lightly. Start protecting yourself today.

Dora

Ralph Winn asked:




11 Tricks to Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft: Every American fears this plague that attacks young and old. No, identity theft is not a disease, but it can be just as crippling. Identity theft is when someone uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans, services, even rentals and mortgages in your name. It can cost you thousands of dollars, ruin your credit, and even ruin your reputation.

Identity theft is “an absolute epidemic,” according to Robert Ellis Smith, a respected author and advocate. “It’s certainly picked up in the last four or five years. It is nationwide.”

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country right now. Within the last twelve months, 9.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft. Could you be next? Here’s what to do to prevent identity theft.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

1) Identity Theft Prevention: Shred It All

Buy an office-quality shredder that shreds documents beyond recognition, so criminals cannot retrieve your receipts or financial information from your trash.

You should always shred:

Credit card receipts
Paid bills
Pre-approved credit card applications
Bank statements

2) Identity Theft Prevention: Beware “Shoulder Surfers” at ATMS

ATMs make you vulnerable. Make sure nobody is around when you enter your PIN to withdraw cash, and if possible, take a friend or family member with you to stand guard. Do not let anyone observe your PIN or even the amount you withdraw.

3) Identity Theft Prevention: Have Your Checkbooks Delivered to the Bank

Checkbooks sent to your house can be stolen right out of your mailbox and used. Have checkbooks sent to the bank where they will be secure, and pick them up yourself.

4) Identity Theft Prevention: Mail Checks in a Post Office Mailbox

Do not mail checks from your home mailbox; they can be stolen before the mail person picks them up and the name in the payment field changed. Drop them in secure US Postal Service mailboxes instead.

5) Identity Theft Prevention: Cancel Unused Credit Cards

If you haven’t used a credit card in 6 months, cancel it and cut it in half. Open credit accounts that aren’t used are easy targets since you aren’t necessarily keeping your eye on them.

6) Identity Theft Prevention: Use Impossible Passwords

Avoid the obvious, like your pet’s name or your mother’s maiden name, and go for something so random, so esoteric nobody would be able to casually guess it. All passwords need to be combinations of numbers and letters.

7) Identity Theft Prevention: Use a Locking Mailbox

Keep criminals from stealing your mail, which could contain important personal information.

Identity Theft Prevention: Call Back

If a phone marketer calls claiming to be a company you shop from and asks for your personal information, tell them you will call them back before you give them any information. By calling them back, you should be able to confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate company.

9) Identity Theft Prevention: Protect Your Social Security Number

You are never required to give out your social security number. If a business wishes to use it as a manner of secure identification, tell them you would rather select a random number instead. The government grants you that right.

10) Identity Theft Prevention: Lock Up Your Social Security Number

Put your social security card in a safe. Do not carry it in your wallet where it could be stolen.

11) Identity Theft Prevention: Keep a Close Eye

Watch your bank and credit card statements like a hawk. Act on any suspicious activity immediately.

Identity theft is indeed an epidemic, but if you protect your information carefully and destroy all documents that include information useful to thieves, you are less likely to fall victim. In the event a thief does steal your information, there are systems in place to deal with the mess. But the best way to handle identity theft is to avoid it in the first place, and now you are armed with 11 handy steps to keeping your identity safe.

Virginia

Jon Arnold asked:




Do you use identity theft prevention measures? If not, you may want to start. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes of this century and more than 10 million people find themselves a victim of it annually. The vast majority of this is simply not being cautious with who they share their personal information with.

If you discover that you have become a victim, you can probably anticipate paying at least $500 in cold hard cash to get the problems corrected. This is real money, and does not even count the 80+ hours of your personal time that you will also need to invest in writing letters, sending faxes, making phone calls, and trying to convince very skeptical debtors that it was not you that racked up all those charges. As these thieves continue to get smarter, you must also keep up on what is going on for the best identity theft prevention measures that you can use.

Everyone has heard that one of the best ways to not become a victim is to shred all mail that comes into your home. This is a great first step. Make sure that you use a shredder that cross-cuts the paper, since this will completely alleviate the ability to put the document back together. One often overlooked item to shred is magazines. Many magazines have preprinted order forms inside that have your name and account number on them, so tear off the address label and the order form before you throw them out.

The government has become aware of the prevalence and severity of this crime and has implemented some legislation aimed at identity theft prevention. The first thing is allowing you to get a free credit report once a year from each of the credit bureaus so that you can see activity on your account and identify activity that should not be there.

The credit reporting companies have also gotten into the act to help you prevent this crime. One way is to send them an “opt-out” which means that you no longer want any banks or financial institutions to mail you offers, even if you qualify. This is a great idea, especially because you may be tempted to sign up for what may appear to be great offers and then find yourself with financial problems due to over-extending yourself.

The credit bureaus also allow you to request a “credit freeze” on your account which will completely freeze your report. What this means is that nobody can run a credit report on you without your express permission. To get permission, it is a somewhat difficult process, and most identity thieves will not bother with this since there are so many targets that are much easier.

If you still feel vulnerable, you might consider buying identity theft protection. Two popular ways are either hiring a company that monitors you credit report and notifies you of any changes or there are companies available that will help you prevent it to begin with. Either type of company can be found online and charge a monthly fee for the service.

The crime of identity theft continues to grow every year, so the ball is in your court to take preventive measures. Be cautious of who you share your personal information with, both online and offline, and implementing these tactics can very well save you the huge time and expense involved with fixing the problem if you become a victim.

Bernard

Jon Arnold asked:


The crime of identity theft is probably one of the fastest growing crimes of this century. The reason for that is because far too many people make it way to EASY to have themselves be a victim of identity theft, and they do not take the task of protecting themselves against identify theft seriously enough.

What happens in a case of identity theft? Basically, the thief “becomes” you, opens loan accounts, charge cards, and credit cards in your name, then disappears into the sunset, never to be seen again. In the meantime, the first that you become aware of it is when you start getting calls from lenders and creditors that you have never heard of and where you “know” you do not have an account, asking when you going to start making payments or is there a problem? But by then, it is far too late.

Let’s back up a step. How does identity theft occur? Identity theft occurs when a third becomes you. That is done by a thief going through your trash and coming up with something that has your unique identifiers on it. If you have decent or good credit, you probably get these pre-approved cards in the mail all the time for credit cards and loan accounts. What do you do with these offers? Do you simply throw them in the trash? If so, you are putting yourself at risk for identify theft, as much of America does. Instead, invest in a small shredder, probably under $50 at Best Buy, Circuit City, or your local office supply store, and shred documents such as those. Anything that has identifiable information on it other than “Occupant” goes into the shredder.

Another way this happens is in restaurants, and unfortunately, even some of the nicer restaurants. Dinner has come and gone and you are enjoying the ambiance of this restaurant and the company of your spouse and perhaps some guests. The waiter or waitress brings the check, and you pick it up, glance at it, then lay it back on the table with your credit card. BIG MISTAKE. What happens is that your credit card has left your sight for a period of time – more than enough time for a possible thief to write down your credit card information, your expiration date, your CCV code (that three or four digit code on the back of your card), and get the bill back to you. You do not know what has happened to your credit card while it was out of your sight. Chance is good that nothing is going to happen with your credit card, but what if it does? You just gave the thief everything they wanted to start a spending spree, and in the online world, all you need is a credit card, expiration date, and CCV number.

Do not allow yourself to become a victim of identity theft. Be very aware of where you are and who you are with. If it is necessary to pay for a meal like at a restaurant with a credit card, ask the waiter to bring the bill to your table. With the rising amount of crime that is seen this way, most waiters will think nothing of the request. They can get credit authorization just with the account number, not with CCV or expiration date. The bottom line is not to make yourself an easy target.



Douglas

Bernard Pragides asked:


People who become victims of identity theft often have to bear a lot of problems that results from the theft; therefore it is better to avoid theft altogether when possible. And luckily there are several identity theft solutions for families that are very useful for the prevention of these identity thefts among the family members.

Identity theft solutions for families start with the family members themselves. Points to consider include:

1) Many identity theft solutions are very simple things to follow like avoiding giving out personal information about any member in the family to any outside person. The children may disclose information, therefore, the useful information like passwords of accounts, and other things should be kept away from them.

2) Another way in which identity theft can occur is due to the loss of any official papers containing private information; hence it is advisable that all such papers should be properly preserved in a safe manner and copies and unneeded documents destroyed with a shredder. The passwords of the accounts should never be written down on paper. All this information should remain only in the mind of the owner or in a safe place.

3) The theft may also occur if a person leaves or moves from his house and still has his mail sent to that address. Therefore, identity theft solutions for families also include the proper provision of the information about the changes in the address.

4) Identity theft solutions for families also include joining only standard organizations and commercial companies. This is because in order to join any organization, it is often required of members that some personal information about the person or his family be shared. In addition to this, everybody in the family should be aware not to provide information to any person who is not officially from that company.

5) In addition to the above-mentioned offline identity theft solutions for families, there is also need of precautions for online identity theft for families. The occurrences of online identity theft are more frequent today than those happening offline. Thieves do it with the help of the virus spyware and other hacking software. Online, they enter the PC system and then they can take away the information that is stored on the PC. Therefore, identity theft solutions for families includes the use of spy ware protecting software.

6) Identity thefts also occur due the use of the internet. Many members of the families have email accounts, online bank and other types of accounts. The information related to these accounts and other additional information provided to these accounts may leak through them. Therefore, identity theft solutions for families includes all the measures to prevent this from happening.

In short, online and off, all family members should not provide unnecessary information for their accounts, and they should carefully choose their passwords. This will enable scammers from hacking your accounts. In fact, a weak password is among the major causes of all the hacking of online accounts and information.

Many times some unnecessary pop ups or some links appear on the screen. Clicking on them should be avoided at all times.



Jeff

Jon Arnold asked:


Identity theft is a growing problem for millions of Americans. Over nine million people are affected by identity theft each year. If you are a victim, it can be life changing. However, there are a variety of things you can do to both prevent identity theft and get your life back on track should you become a victim.

One of the most important steps in avoiding identity theft is to review your consumer credit reports each year. You can contact the three main credit bureaus and request copies of your credit history. This will give you an accurate idea of any open credit you have, as well as any major purchases made using your credit. It will also give you a view of how many times your credit report has been pulled.

Anytime you have documents with personal information, you will want to shred them, versus simply throwing them in the trash. You can purchase a shredder fairly cheaply. Be sure to purchase one that cross shreds, so that your documents cannot be pieced back together.

You can also take your mail directly to the US Postal mailbox, versus placing your mail in your house mailbox. This helps avoid criminals being able to snatch your bills or other personal information you are sending through the mail.

If you are going away for any period of time, you will want to make sure that you completely stop your mail. You can request that the post office hold your mail until you return. Likewise, you do not want to leave any mail in your mailbox over night. As soon as your mail comes, bring it inside so that thieves cannot get a hold of it.

If you have lost a credit card, report it immediately. This way, a block can be put on the account or if need be, it can be closed completely and a new number can be issued. As well, if you have requested a new credit and have not received it in a timely manner, be sure to contact the company to let them know. Once you received your credit card, be sure to sign it immediately.

Should you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, you will need to take some immediate steps. Contact the credit bureaus and have a fraud alert placed on your credit. Next, you will want to contact all of your creditors and banks, both by phone and in writing and report the crime. Be sure to record the names and phone numbers of each person you have talked with and discussed your case with, as well as the date and time of that discussion.

You will also want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. They have counselors than can help you in resolving any issues you may have. They can help you get your life back under control and help you move forward.

Identity theft is an increasing problem that affects millions of Americans. There are a variety of different steps you can take to help avoid identity theft. Likewise, should you become a victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to get your life back on track and regain control of your financial situation.



Thomas