Question:

How do I know my personal identity has been stolen?

Review Your Credit Report for Telltale Signs of Identity Theft

Introduction
Identity theft takes over your entire life, taking you away from home and work responsibilities as you work to clean up the havoc surrounding your bank accounts, the misuse of your Social Security number and your own identity. Thieves steal the identities of others so they can obtain credit, buy health insurance and get jobs. Regardless of why they steal the identities of others, this crime is not “victimless” – if your identity, credit history or Social Security number are stolen, you can be mistaken for someone you are not.

Identity Theft
When someone takes over your identity to open credit and bank accounts in your name, this is identity theft. According to Bankrate.com, this crime is committed so subsequent crimes can be carried out.

Because so may people store bits and pieces of their identity online – and on their cell phones – it becomes much easier for a identity thief to find those pieces of information so they can literally create an entire new identity, leaving their own true identities behind. Once they have the information they need, they are able to apply for and obtain new credit cards and loans in your name. If they fail to make required payments, you are the one who suffers, because the derogatory information is entered on your credit history.

How it Happens
It is all too easy for someone to obtain your private information. You toss an invitation for a new credit card into the trash can. You stay logged into your online bank account after you’ve finished updating your check register. You toss detailed medical information into the trash. You leave ATM receipts hanging from the ATM machine after you leave the machine with your card and cash. You leave your purse open, where someone can find and take your credit cards, driver license and ATM card.

This happens to too many people, who leave their information and cards unsecured. They have just made it too easy for others to steal that information or those cards.

Order Your Credit Report Annually
Go to annualcreditreport.com and request one free copy of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies. If you do not have Internet access, call 1-877-322-8008. Your reports will be free from the three agencies if you order through this website or call the toll-free number.

You have probably seen television advertisements for free credit reports. When you contact these companies, you are required to provide your credit card information. That free credit report soon becomes a monthly financial obligation. These are imposter sites.

Review your credit reports in detail once you receive them. Highlight any information that you know is wrong. You will need to file a dispute letter with the company that reported the information. This could be evidence of identity theft, especially if you do not remember applying for credit with that company.

Protect Yourself Offline
Buy a shredder. These are available at big-box discount stores and office supply stores. The amount you pay for these machines will repay themselves quickly as you shred credit card invitations, outdated insurance or medical information and old bills. Every time you get an invitation you don’t want, shred it and cut up the faux credit card that is often attached to the invitation. Shred old bills on a regular basis.

Lock your Social Security card up in a locking file cabinet at home. Take it out only when you need to verify your identity for a job application.

Store your wallet or purse safely away, especially when you are expecting guests. Increase your level of protection further by storing your debit and credit cards in that locking file cabinet.

Online Protection
Do not use your user name or password at unprotected free wi-fi hotspots. Access your online bank account at home only. Once you are done with your browsing session, log out completely. Change your password periodically, choosing a password that is difficult. Do not use easily identifiable passwords, such as pet names, dates of birth or other information that could be linked to you. Each password should be unique.

Identity Theft Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for all the fraudulent charges made on my credit card?

Where can identity theft victims get information about what to do?

I think I am a victim of identity theft – what do I do first?

What is my liability for the unauthorized use of my stolen ATM card?

Do I need credit card loss protection insurance?

What can I do to protect myself from identity theft?

Will a fraud alert on my credit reports protect me from future identity theft damages?

How can I protect myself from identity theft?

Am I overreacting to be worried about identity theft?

How prevalent are identity theft crimes?

What is the most damaging kind of identity theft?

What is the difference between identity theft and identity fraud?

What is identity theft?

How safe am I from online identity theft?

How can I guard against online identity theft?

Should I explain what online identity theft is to my children?

Am I at risk of identity theft from free downloads from the Internet?

How dangerous is online identity theft?

What penalties are there for identity thieves?

Why are so few identity theft crimes prosecuted?

Are there mandatory sentences for identity theft criminals?

How can I prevent identity theft?

How can I prevent online identity theft?

How can I avoid becoming a victim of identity theft?

I’ve been a victim of identity theft – how do I get my life back?

How long will it take me to recover from identity fraud?

What’s included in an identity fraud report?

How do I report credit card fraud?

I’m a victim of identity theft – how do I report it?

What is the most common type of identity theft?

What is “Phishing”?

What is criminal fraud?

What is investment fraud?

What is Mail Theft?

What is a “credit card bustout” for bankruptcy fraud?

What is passport fraud?

Is there such a thing as student loan fraud?

What exactly is phone fraud?

What is Social Security Identity Theft?

Are there organizations specifically set up to help victims of identity theft?

Can fraudulent charges be blocked from appearing on my credit report?

What can I do if my bank won’t cooperate to resolve problems from identity theft?

What do I do if my checks have been stolen?

What is an ID Theft Affidavit?

Are there services that will assist me in reporting identity theft?

How many people are victims of identity theft each year?

How widespread is identity theft?

How are businesses affected by identity theft?

How much time does a victim spend to report credit issues after ID theft?

How many instances of phishing are there each year?

How long does it take for my credit to be cleared after identity theft?

How long does it take before someone realizes he/she is a victim of ID theft?

What are ‘breeder’ documents?

How does identity theft occur?

What is pretexting?

How do identity thieves use my information?

How does online identity theft occur?

Can identity theft be prevented?

Can anything be done to thwart online phishing scams?

How do online identity thieves get information?

What is pharming?

How will I know if I’m at a legitimate web site?

What can I do if debt collectors demand payment for fraudulent charges?

Are deceased individuals subject to identity theft crimes?

What is FACTA?

What is the Identity Theft Prevention Act?

What is the cost of putting a security freeze on my credit reports?

How do I stop phone and mail solicitations that put me at risk of identity theft?

What is the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act?

Are state laws and penalties for identity theft different from the federal laws?

How effective are using automated reports to document identity theft?

How do I organize my information to report identity theft?

What information do I need to include in a blocking letter?

What information do I include in a dispute letter to notify creditors of fraudulent charges?

Who investigates online identity theft?

How do I get debt collectors to stop calling on fraudulent accounts?

How do I prove I am an identity theft victim?

How do I clear a criminal record that resulted from ID theft?

What records do I have to keep while restoring my credit from identity theft?

Why should I use the FTC’s Identity Theft Affidavit?

How can I correct fraudulent information on my credit report?

Where can I get an advocate to help me recover from identity theft?

When should I involve a lawyer to help recover from ID theft?

Should I invest in identity theft insurance and monitoring services?

How does a credit report help protect me from identity theft?

What are some of the things I can personally do to protect from identity theft?

How can I be proactive to guard against identity theft?

How can I protect my kids from being targeted by identity thieves?

Is there an easy way to remember the basics for preventing identity theft?

How can identity theft be prevented in schools?

Are state legislators doing anything to help prevent identity theft?

How can active duty military personnel prevent identity theft while deployed?

What can businesses do to prevent identity theft?

What am I supposed to be looking at on my credit report that indicates identity theft?

What is the punishment for passport fraud?

Can an identity thief be charged with more than one crime?

How do state identity theft laws affect penalties?

Why is online ID theft difficult to prosecute?

Is ID theft perpetuated by victims who don’t prosecute?

Are there any plans for stronger prosecution standards for identity theft?

What is my State doing about identity theft?

How can I protect my credit if my identity is compromised?

What is spyware and what does it have to do with online identity theft?

What should I do if I've been the victim of identity theft and a debt collector calls?

Can your identity be stolen from people entering your home?

How do I know my personal identity has been stolen?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Identity Theft Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
George Sayour