What can I do to Avoid Identity Theft from happening to me?
Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, effecting one out of every four homes in America. So, if you haven't been doing it already, Now is the time to start guarding your Identity and taking steps to avoid becoming a victim of Identity Theft.
There are a few simple steps that you can do to prevent Identity Theft from happening to you.
Always review your monthly account statements and check for any charges you did not make or any other signs that may seem fraudulent.
Review your credit report regularly. Check for any charges you did not make, inquiries you did not authorize, etc.
Never share your personal information with someone who is offering you a reward or other prize but needs your personal info to verify claim. Always make sure you know who you are dealing with, why they need such information and how they plan on protecting it if you do provide such info.
Protect your computer by using a firewall, anti-virus, or spyware protection software.
Always keep personal information secured.
what do I do if I do become a Victim of Identity Theft?
Contact the company's where you think that the fraudulent accounts were opened. Dispute any unauthorized charges and close any accounts you believe were tampered with or opened fraudulently.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission. You can do this online or by calling there tollfree hotline at: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
File a report with your local police department. If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with your state Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for identity theft.
When you go to your local police department to file your report Ask the officer to attach or incorporate the ID Theft Complaint into their police report. Tell them that you need a copy of the Identity Theft Report (the police report with your ID Theft Complaint attached or incorporated)to dispute the fraudulent accounts and debts created by the identity thief. (In some jurisdictions the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign your Complaint and write the police report number in the "Law Enforcement Report" section.)
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by mrush726
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