July 13, 2007, Newsletter Issue #9: Added Precautions Can Protect You Against Identity Theft

Tip of the Week

Identity Guard Tip: With identity theft tagged as one of the fastest growing financial crimes, consumers are starting to be more proactive about prevention and protection. But where can you find useful information?

1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the first line of defense for victims of identity theft and serves as a clearinghouse for complaints. FTC service representatives help victims understand the process for filing reports and can advise on the steps to take for credit repair and recovery. The FTC also offers information for prevention and protection from identity theft. There are many free downloadable reports available from the FTC web site that can serve as an identity theft protection guide. For more information, call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or visit their website.

2. Consider using identity theft monitoring services. In addition to government resources, there are private businesses dedicated to designing services that help protect against identity theft. Identity theft monitoring services will regularly track and monitor your credit report, alerting you to changes made to personal and financial information. They also have an inside track to the “back alleys” and “black markets” found on the Internet where stolen personal information is shared, sold or circulated, resulting in an individual’s credit damage to spread like wildfire.

No agency or business can give you a 100% guarantee that you’ll never become a victim of identity theft. Yet, the more proactive you are to seek information, such as from ann identity theft protection guide, the better equipped you will be to execute a plan for prevention and protection from identity theft.

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