Protect your Personal Information
Identity theft is one of today’s fastest growing crimes. It occurs when someone steals your personal information and identification. They may open credit card accounts, apply for loans, rent apartments and purchase phone services- all in your name. In many cases, they request address changes so you never see the bills for their activity. These impersonators spend your money as quickly as possible. Most victims never know it until they apply for a loan or receive a call from a collection agency. Clearing your name and erasing the effects of identity theft can be a nightmare and take a great deal of time. You can spend months or even years re-establishing your credit worthiness.
What Should I Do To Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft?
Identity Theft Protection Services
Identity theft protection services can help you monitor your accounts. They can place fraud alerts or freezes on your credit reports or remove your name from marketing mailing lists. Many people find it valuable and convenient to pay a company to keep track of their financial accounts, credit reports, and personal information. Other people choose to do this on their own for free. Before you pay for a service, evaluate it and its track record before you pay any fees. Click here to learn more about Identity Theft Protection Services.
More Tips:
Signs of Identity Theft
Tax-Related Identity Theft
Taking Charge-What to do if Your Identity is Stolen
Additional Resources:
The Federal Trade Commission(FTC)
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.
For more articles and tips from the FTC visit: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
OnGuardOnline.gov is the federal government’s website to help you be safe, secure and responsible online.
The Federal Trade Commission manages OnGuardOnline.gov, in partnership with many federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Education, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the FDIC are just a few.
For more articles and tips from OnGuardOnline.gov visit: http://www.onguardonline.gov/search/site/identity%20Theft