Identity Theft - A MAJOR Problem! *
Home Maintenance for September

Because this problem is getting so huge, we are devoting most of this newsletter to the subject. Send this newsletter (or a link to it) to everyone you know. You might just save a friend from becoming a victim.

There are two videos here, as well as a few links to places you should bookmark, just in case you ever need them. This could be the best 10 minutes you spend online if it helps you not to fall victim to this growing monster of a problem.

Identity Theft is a crime so common that if it hasn't happened to you personally, you probably know a victim. So why are so many people still being victimized? Just about anyone with a Social Security Number is at risk, as Money Talks editor Stacy Johnson explains in our first video….(video runs 1:36)…

So how do we know if we're a victim? Many people don't realize it until weeks or even months after their actual identity has been stolen….

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So What Can You Do?

AVOID CHARGES FOR IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION SERVICES
 

One of your best defenses is vigilance. You should check your credit report regularly.

There is one place to go to get yours free. That is AnnualCreditReport.com. THIS IS THE ONLY GOVERNMENT-MANDATED SITE FOR FREE CREDIT REPORTS.

Other sites offer something for free. You might even find it. But their goal is to lure you into buying something. Collecting on the free offer is not easy. These sites can be very confusing.

Several years ago, Congress mandated free credit reports. There are three credit-reporting agencies. You have a right to a free credit report from each annually.

Once again, the government-mandated site is AnnualCreditReport.com. Don't be misled by other sites promising "free" reports. They are trying to sell you services.

Watch Carefully for Scams!

Scams come in all shapes and sizes. One of the BIG breaches in security can come in the form of a scam that is looking not only to steal your identity, but to get instant money from you to boot!

Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails…instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date.
 

Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.

Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.

Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Online: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)
or TTY, 1-866-653-4261
 

By mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse,
Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
 

Federal Trade Commission | 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20580

There are so many scams and fraud operations both online and off, that we couldn't begin to cover them all in this newsletter. Our main goal here is for you to ALWAYS be diligent and wary when giving out information about yourself.

Even medical records theft is becoming a big business now for thieves, so you can't be too careful with your medical history or records either. But that's a whole article all in itself, and we won't go in to that here. Just suffice it to say, you can't be too careful any more, even when going to the doctor.

We hope these tips help you, and with any luck, your identity will remain safe and secure. We mentioned this last month in part 1 of this 2 part article that one way to protect yourself from financial ruin is by signing up for identity protection from the only company we've seen that offers a guarantee, and that is a company called Lifelock. Subscribers to Lifelock are guaranteed protection with reimbursement up to $1,000,000 should your identity be stolen while you are their client.