Life Lock

Most of us by now are aware of the very real danger of identity theft. Indeed over a million of us have taken out Life Lock protection to guard our identities from criminals and give us the added cushion of that $1 million guarantee should we still end up being a victim despite that protection to what is the fastest growing crime in the world today. For those without though the future could be bleak as yet another 10 million Americans are expected to fall victim to identity theft this year alone.

Identity theft without LifeLock protection is even more difficult to handle because of the misconceptions circulating about identity theft. Here are just a few of those myths and misconceptions:

* My social security number is safe tucked away in my purse or wallet.

Sun Life Financial were shocked to find in a survey they did that 40% of Americans questioned carried their social security number around with them in their purse or wallet. These can be lost or stolen and should be either left in a secure pace at home or memorized. After all, when was the last time you were asked for your social security number during a normal day at work or out shopping? Although Todd Davis gives out his social security number to promote his company, remember he has Life Lock protection monitoring his SS number.

* Identity theft is committed by people unknown to the victim.

Although all the papers and news stories concentrate on identity theft cases involving online con's, you are much more likely to have your identity stolen by a relative, flat mate, work mate or friend than you are online by a stranger. Sad but true I'm afraid.

* No one can access my credit report except unauthorized persons.

All that is required to access a persons credit history is a name and address and their social security number.

* If someone does steal my identity, so what? I won't have to pay any credit card debts or bills they ran up in my name.

You are held responsible if you do not discover and report the identity theft early enough so you need to monitor your credit all the time. Customers with Life Lock protection have the peace of mind of knowing that should someone manage to get past the Life Lock defences and buy something on credit in their name, they will be aware of it almost instantly and so will not be liable for any charges.

* You can only ask for a fraud alert if you have proof of an identity theft crime or attempt.

Again not true. Government legislation says you only need be concerned or worried enough to place a fraud alert. Unfortunately the credit bureaus don't like fraud alerts because of the extra work it causes them. They insist you have to renew a fraud alert every 3 months but you receive no reminders in the hope you will forget and let it slip. People under Life Lock protection don't have to worry about this as they take care of the applications and renewals for you.

* I'm still young and its only senior citizens that are targeted by identity theft criminals.

Most identity theft victims are aged between 20 and 40. This age group tend to be more affluent and less careful with their money so are an easy target. Luckily this age group is also now getting wise to the risk and makes up a large part of the 1 million plus consumers now signed up with Life Lock protection.

The above is just a small sample of the many myths doing the rounds. For a more detailed look at the myths and the facts about identity theft be sure to download my free report Facts About Identity Theft.