Identity Theft is an Ongoing Credit threat
Several months ago, the personal information of our veterans was compromised. There are approximately 26.5 million names in the database at risk. This means that they could become the victims of identify theft.
In 2005 the average loss experienced by identity theft victims was more than $6,000.00 as determined by a study completed by Javelin Strategy & Research. They indicate it cost the victims approximately $400 to remove inaccurate information, close or change their credit card accounts and complete all the necessary documentation.
There are a number of companies who help those with resolution of identity theft issues. They do some or most of the work to file police reports and gather pertinent information including making phone calls. Check with your bank, credit union, insurance company, automobile insurance as well as homeowners and renters insurance to see if there is a rider on your policy that will pay for the service. There are a few companies who offer services directly to the public.
Check out the information on http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ for relevant information that will help you. I suggest you check out the available sources including your creditors prior to having a problem. While caution with your credit information is a prudent choice, you should be prepared in the event you have a problem.
Since the problem of identity theft is ongoing, you must do what you can to protect yourself.
Use common sense when using your credit cards. I suggest you:
1. Don’t use your credit card and pin number with anyone too close to you.
2. Don’t leave carbon paper used for credit imprints. (While this is generally uncommon today, it does still occur.).
3. Keep your credit cards in a safe place.
4. Don’t carry unnecessary credit information on your person.
5. Don’t give out personal information unless you are certain that it is appropriate.
In general, just take care. Check your credit report once a year. Don’t make your credit information available to unauthorized individuals. Use the government site listed above for more information.
Nancy Woodward, better known as the million dollar referral lady, is a Real Estate and Mortgage Professional. You can discover how to achieve financial prosperity by subscribing to her online newsletter to help you better manage our mortgage and real estate properties.
In 2005 the average loss experienced by identity theft victims was more than $6,000.00 as determined by a study completed by Javelin Strategy & Research. They indicate it cost the victims approximately $400 to remove inaccurate information, close or change their credit card accounts and complete all the necessary documentation.
There are a number of companies who help those with resolution of identity theft issues. They do some or most of the work to file police reports and gather pertinent information including making phone calls. Check with your bank, credit union, insurance company, automobile insurance as well as homeowners and renters insurance to see if there is a rider on your policy that will pay for the service. There are a few companies who offer services directly to the public.
Check out the information on http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ for relevant information that will help you. I suggest you check out the available sources including your creditors prior to having a problem. While caution with your credit information is a prudent choice, you should be prepared in the event you have a problem.
Since the problem of identity theft is ongoing, you must do what you can to protect yourself.
Use common sense when using your credit cards. I suggest you:
1. Don’t use your credit card and pin number with anyone too close to you.
2. Don’t leave carbon paper used for credit imprints. (While this is generally uncommon today, it does still occur.).
3. Keep your credit cards in a safe place.
4. Don’t carry unnecessary credit information on your person.
5. Don’t give out personal information unless you are certain that it is appropriate.
In general, just take care. Check your credit report once a year. Don’t make your credit information available to unauthorized individuals. Use the government site listed above for more information.
Nancy Woodward, better known as the million dollar referral lady, is a Real Estate and Mortgage Professional. You can discover how to achieve financial prosperity by subscribing to her online newsletter to help you better manage our mortgage and real estate properties.
posted by Nan at 1:03 PM
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