Identity Theft Shield

We live in an information-oriented society. Technology allows us to do business and make transactions literally in a matter of seconds. This abundance of information has given rise to a new crime - identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003 release from the Federal Trade Commission, almost 10 million people in the United States may be victimized by identity bandits each year.

So what does that mean? Someone has stolen your credit card your credit card company can help you with that, right? Well, according to the FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues dont pertain to your existing credit card accounts. Identity theft can occur as a result of new lines of credit being opened in your name either through credit cards or bank loans as well as phone/utility fraud and even employment related fraud. Because we are susceptible through so many avenues in our daily life, we are all at risk.

What can you do? Where would you turn if you found yourself in this situation? Would you know where to start to clear your name? Well, now you dont have to worry about what to do as we have the answer.

As you already know, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. is a pioneer of the legal services industry. With more than 30 years of experience in providing legal rights protection to our members, we have now teamed with Kroll Inc., the worlds leading independent risk consulting company. Kroll is a 30 year old, publicly traded company that provides a broad range of investigative, intelligence, financial, security, and technology services to help clients reduce risks, solve problems, and capitalize on opportunities. Headquartered in New York with more than 60 offices on six continents, Kroll has a multidisciplinary corps of more than 2,200 employees and serves a global clientele of law firms, financial institutions, corporations, nonprofit institutions, government agencies, and individuals. Over the last three years, Kroll has developed a unique solution for victims of identity theft. This new service is now available to Pre-Paid Legal members through the IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD benefit.

What does this benefit provide our members?

The Identity Theft Shield gives you easy access to the resources you need to understand your credit ratings and to fight back if an identity thief threatens your financial standing. This benefit is designed to alert you to suspicious account activity, to restore any resulting damage to your credit history and to reimburse you for covered out-of-pocket expenses you may incur in the process.

1. Credit Report Through Experian

Make sure your financial records are accurate.

Your credit standing is one of your most important financial assets. It not only affects your ability to get credit, it often dictates the interest rate at which you can borrow. It can also affect your ability to purchase insurance or to find employment. Some insurance companies and prospective employers use your credit rating to gauge your sense of responsibility.

Experts recommend you review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft Shield makes it easy. Members are entitled to an up-to-date credit report from Experian at no additional charge.

Personal Credit Score and Analysis from Experian

Know your credit score . . . and how it affects your ability to borrow.

Your credit score is derived from the information in your credit report. This score is used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness. The higher the number, the better your chance of being approved for the credit you want.

A detailed analysis of your Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit Report. You can use this analysis to evaluate your current credit standing.

2. Continuous Credit Monitoring Through Experian

Learn of suspicious activity before your credit is ruined.

A professional thief can assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can take years for you to repair your credit standing.

Early detection is key to minimizing the damage caused by thieves who steal you name.

With your Identity Theft Shield membership, your credit files will be monitored through Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be brought to your attention, providing you with early detection. Youll receive prompt notice if any new accounts are opened in your name . . . or if negative notations are added to your credit report.

3. Fraud Restoration Service

Get personal assistance and advice from experts.

Any discrepancy in your credit report should be addressed at once. Call our Customer Services Department at the designated Identity Theft Shield number and explain your concerns. If it is identity theft, our fraud investigators will assist you every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package with complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions will be rushed to you.

If you sign a Limited Power of Attorney, you will be entitled to Enhanced Restoration Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. On your behalf, Kroll will issue fraud alerts to the three major credit repositories, the Federal Trade Commission, the Social Security Administration, and the United States Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit accuracy with regard to your identity theft issues. If necessary and reasonable, Kroll will work with law enforcement, the department of motor vehicles, and other organizations to resolve your identity theft issues

If you decline the Limited Power of Attorney, you will receive Basic Consulting Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. Kroll will provide you with contact information and procedures for the organizations you will need to work with. Kroll will provide sample letters and forms and be available to you through a toll-free phone number for assistance and advice throughout the process of restoring your identity.

Now, it is important to understand any identity theft that occurred prior to the membership enrollment or any situations relating to a business identity are not covered. Identity Restoration will not apply if the identity theft is the result of a dishonest, criminal, malicious, or fraudulent act you, your spouse, or child participated in, directed, or had knowledge of. Restoration services will not be provided for a preexisting, known stolen identity event. You must be an active, paid member to receive restoration services. Plan benefits do not cover financial losses arising from the identity theft.

$25,000 Identity Theft Restoration Reimbursement Benefit Pays your covered out-of-pocket expenses.

The Identity Theft Shield includes up to $25,000 in a fraud restoration reimbursement benefit. This coverage will reimburse you for covered expenses you may incur while working to clear your name. These include:

• lost wages up to $500 per week with a maximum of up to four weeks

• legal defense fees and expenses

• the cost of notarizing affidavits or similar documents, long distance telephone calls, and even postage!

• the cost of re-filing applications for loans, grants, or other credit instruments

Some restrictions of the restoration reimbursement benefit include: Insurance benefits and services provided by member companies of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Coverage available only if the stolen identity event occurs while you are an Identity Theft Shield member and is reported to us within six months.

Did you know, that on average, victims spend more than 175 hours and $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear their names. With Pre-Paid Legals IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating identity theft is much less. For just $9.95/month, IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of knowing they have someone to fight the battle for them. And, the best thing is this monthly fee provides benefits to both you, the member, and your spouse.

Reports on identity theft are everywhere; television, newspapers, magazines, talk shows, etc. Now that you know this benefit is available, doesnt it make sense to have this sort of coverage? Imagine the peace of mind you would have knowing you and your spouse would have access to all of these services if you found yourself to be an identity theft statistic? Contact the person who referred you to this call to sign up for your Identity Theft membership. Dont wait until it is too late - do it today!

For a full list of disclosures and exclusions, please consult the Identity Theft Shield written material provided by Pre-Paid Legal.

Mark Freink, Independent Associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
markfreink@prepaidlegal

Fighting Identity Theft

Chances are good that you know someone who has been victimized by the fastest growing crime - identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that there were 10 million cases of identity theft in 2002 alone. Its estimated that someones identity is stolen every 79 seconds.

The bad news is with increasing amounts of personal information available to an experienced identity thief, it shows few signs of slowing down. The good news is that identity fraud is now a federal crime with stiff penalties for those who perpetrate these crimes.

Here are a few simple steps you can take now to minimize your risk:

1) Check your credit report annually, if not more often. Most victims of identity theft dont realize theyve been victimized until 14 months after the crime. By then the damage is done and you will spend a significant amount of time and money trying to correct it.

2) Keep your Social Security number private. Do not have it printed on your personal checks or drivers license. Do not share it with anyone, including merchants, unless they can provide a good reason for having it. Once someone has your Social Security number they have the key to unlocking your identity and using it fraudulently.

3) Shred offers for pre-approved credit cards that you receive by mail. Do the same with any receipts that contain account numbers or your Social Security number. Identity thieves are not afraid to go dumpster diving in order to obtain your personal information.

Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime because it is the most profitable crime. On average, the loss from identity theft is about $18,000.00. Taking these precautions now can you save you from becoming another statistic in the fight against identity theft.

© 2004, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
James H. DimmittJames is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a weekly free newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com. He is also author of Identity Theft - How to Avoid Becoming the Next Victim! available at http://tinyurl.com/bc45jimdim815@aol.com

The Identity Theft Epidemic : What The Experts Arent Telling You

Picture yourself walking down the street, all alone. It's late at night. It's a bit brisk, and the wind is blowing through the tall buildings on both sides of you. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, someone runs by you, knocks you over, grabs your wallet, and takes off.

It sounds like a scene from a movie, and there may come a time in the future where this type of person-to-person crime is only found in movies. Why would anyone rob a bank, or rob an individual, when they could simply use a person's information to obtain employment, credit cards, and lines of credit?

By now, everyone knows what Identity Theft is. Identity Theft has been showing up in the news for several years, and there has been a large public awareness campaign since the FTC Report in September 2003.

In their report, the FTC shared that the average Identity Theft victim spends over $1,400.00, and more than 200 hours, just to clear their good name. Reports now are saying that victims can end up spending much, much more in terms of time, money, and frustration.

Other people may be willing to spend that kind of time and money, but if you don't have an extra $1400 or 200 hours, read on!

What is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft couldn't happen to me, right?

What can I do to protect myself?

There is good news.

Identity Theft Insurance?

What is Identity Theft?
ID Theft happens when someone takes any piece of your personal information, and fraudulently uses it to obtain access to your credit, bank accounts, or to obtain employment.

How can it happen?
There are literally thousands of ways your information can be stolen, and, as Harris County district attorney Chuck Rosenthal knows, if it can happen to him, it is proof that identity theft and fraud can happen to anyone. "Rosenthal said nearly $8,000 was stolen from his account before it was discovered [] He said that he still has problems because of the crime -- his check was refused when he tried to buy supplies for his daughter."

There are thousands of stories like this one, which you have already been hearing about in your local or national news.

What can you do to protect yourself?
To be proactive, here are what the "experts" are telling you to do. Read this list carefully, and while you do, think about what it would mean in added time and frustration for your life:

Avoid giving out your Social Security numberShred or destroy bank and/or credit card informationShred or destroy any credit card or other direct mail offersCreate passwords containing numbers and lettersAvoid buying or making donations via the phoneBuy goods online only from a reputable Web siteInstall a computer firewall at home Read the privacy statements for all your accounts and your bank's liability clausesCheck your credit report more frequently Use only one credit card for purchases Avoid shopping online Update your computer virus protection daily Install Spyware software on your computer to be sure that you're not accidentally having your keystrokes recorded Drop your mail in the blue post boxes, not in your mailbox Don't leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends... While you're at it, sign up for a locked mailbox, because you can't trust that your mail will stay in your mailbox The list goes on...and on...and on...

The "experts" are telling you to rearrange your entire life to proactively defend yourself against Identity Theft. However, what no one is telling you is this:

There is no 100% guarantee that your information won't be used. No matter what you do, you are as likely a target for Identity Theft as any other person you know.

Approximately 2,500 Washington County (Maryland) Board of Education employees discovered this when their Social Security numbers, names, birth dates and other private information were accidentally posted on the school system's web site for up to 45 days during 2004.

Consumer Reports states, "It is an equal-opportunity crime, affecting victims of all races, incomes, and ages. Overall, more than 33 million Americans, about 1 in 6 adults, say they have had their identities used by someone else sometime since 1990."

There is good news
If you become a victim of Identity Theft, you basically have two choices. You can try to handle it on your own, or you can let a professional help you.

If you try to handle it on your own, you might try to contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A visit to the BBB's web site reveals this statement:

"If your complaint is against the identity thief, it is unlikely that the BBB can assist you. We urge you to report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

So you visit the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) web site, where you read the statement: "The FTC serves as the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of Identity Theft. While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint helps us investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action."

In other words, the BBB and FTC will give you information on how to spend 200 hours and $1400, and will let you report information to them which can "lead to law enforcement action."

Beyond that, you're on your own, because they will not work to restore your individual credit. But they will send you a 25 page book with some very helpful information. Good luck.

This is not to fault the BBB or FTC. It's only to say that they do not have the resources to, on a daily basis, help over 27,000 people restore their good name and credit. Clearly, Americans need a different kind of help to resolve this issue.

Identity Theft Insurance?
Several companies, including Citibank and the three credit repositories, are offering different kinds of credit monitoring services. You have probably seen the very funny Citibank ads, promoting the protection of your information from thieves, and as a result of the ID Theft epidemic, Citibank now offers protection for their credit cards. This is an excellent idea, but credit card fraud only accounts for approximately 40% of Identity Theft cases.

What about the other 60% of identity theft cases? Well, most often, they happen when someone is using your name to obtain credit or employment. The three credit bureaus have stepped in to offer you credit monitoring services, which will let you track what is going on with your credit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This way, if your information is being used by someone you don't know, you will know about it the day it happens and, ideally, you'll be able to do something about it. The cost ranges from $4.95/month to $19.95/month. With these services, you're generally still on your own to get the issue resolved, but hopefully the early detection will help you be able to resolve the issue in less than 200 hours, and with less than $1,400.00.

Another company has stepped in, because they have seen this trend, and the need that consumers have for protection from identity theft. Kroll Worldwide is the world's foremost risk consulting company. They've been responsible for things like:

Tracking Saddam Hussein's money after the first Gulf War, creating an evacuation plan for the Sears Tower and many of the world's tallest buildings, and handling high profile cases such as the Enron debacle.

Kroll has created a product which not only monitors credit on a daily basis, and (like the credit repositories) gives you credit reports in a way that you can understand them, but they also assign a personal licensed investigator to you, who will do the work along side of you, to get your credit and identity restored and to track down the thief who committed the crime. This saves you time and money

Identity Theft shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, many state and federal law enforcement agencies are predicting that the problem will get worse before it gets better. Other companies are sure to follow the lead of Kroll in providing Identity Theft solutions. Probably no other company will be able to match the background and experience of a company like Kroll, but they will create similar products to help consumers, and within the next 3-5 years, Identity Theft protection will become an important part of the insurance-type products we use to protect ourselves on a daily basis.

In short, what the experts aren't telling you is this:

There is no guaranteed way to protect your information,

In an advanced age of rapid and electronic banking and communication, your information is publicly available to anyone who wants to find it,

If you've been a victim before, you're more likely to become a victim again, and

Identity Theft, as a crime, is here to stay.

Changing the way that you do things reduces the likelihood that you will become a victim, but you have no way of being sure that your information will stay your information.

The real state of affairs today is that you are walking down that dark street on a windy night, and someone robs you, but you don't know it, or feel it, for days, weeks, or months.

Having Identity Theft protection with highly qualified companies like Kroll is like walking down that street, knowing that you have a highly trained personal bodyguard watching your back and walking by your side.

It sounds like a scene from a movie, and there may come a time in the future where this type of person-to-person crime is only found in movies. Why would anyone rob a bank, or rob an individual, when they could simply use a person's information to obtain employment, credit cards, and lines of credit?

By now, everyone knows what Identity Theft is. Identity Theft has been showing up in the news for several years, and there has been a large public awareness campaign since the FTC Report in September 2003.

In their report, the FTC shared that the average Identity Theft victim spends over $1,400.00, and more than 200 hours, just to clear their good name. Reports now are saying that victims can end up spending much, much more in terms of time, money, and frustration.

Other people may be willing to spend that kind of time and money, but if you don't have an extra $1400 or 200 hours, read on!

What is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft couldn't happen to me, right?

What can I do to protect myself?

There is good news.

Identity Theft Insurance?

What is Identity Theft?
ID Theft happens when someone takes any piece of your personal information, and fraudulently uses it to obtain access to your credit, bank accounts, or to obtain employment.

How can it happen?
There are literally thousands of ways your information can be stolen, and, as Harris County district attorney Chuck Rosenthal knows, if it can happen to him, it is proof that identity theft and fraud can happen to anyone. "Rosenthal said nearly $8,000 was stolen from his account before it was discovered [] He said that he still has problems because of the crime -- his check was refused when he tried to buy supplies for his daughter."

There are thousands of stories like this one, which you have already been hearing about in your local or national news.

What can you do to protect yourself?
To be proactive, here are what the "experts" are telling you to do. Read this list carefully, and while you do, think about what it would mean in added time and frustration for your life:

Avoid giving out your Social Security numberShred or destroy bank and/or credit card informationShred or destroy any credit card or other direct mail offersCreate passwords containing numbers and lettersAvoid buying or making donations via the phoneBuy goods online only from a reputable Web siteInstall a computer firewall at home Read the privacy statements for all your accounts and your bank's liability clausesCheck your credit report more frequently Use only one credit card for purchases Avoid shopping online Update your computer virus protection daily Install Spyware software on your computer to be sure that you're not accidentally having your keystrokes recorded Drop your mail in the blue post boxes, not in your mailbox Don't leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends... While you're at it, sign up for a locked mailbox, because you can't trust that your mail will stay in your mailbox The list goes on...and on...and on...

The "experts" are telling you to rearrange your entire life to proactively defend yourself against Identity Theft. However, what no one is telling you is this:

There is no 100% guarantee that your information won't be used. No matter what you do, you are as likely a target for Identity Theft as any other person you know.

Approximately 2,500 Washington County (Maryland) Board of Education employees discovered this when their Social Security numbers, names, birth dates and other private information were accidentally posted on the school system's web site for up to 45 days during 2004.

Consumer Reports states, "It is an equal-opportunity crime, affecting victims of all races, incomes, and ages. Overall, more than 33 million Americans, about 1 in 6 adults, say they have had their identities used by someone else sometime since 1990."

There is good news
If you become a victim of Identity Theft, you basically have two choices. You can try to handle it on your own, or you can let a professional help you.

If you try to handle it on your own, you might try to contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A visit to the BBB's web site reveals this statement:

"If your complaint is against the identity thief, it is unlikely that the BBB can assist you. We urge you to report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

So you visit the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) web site, where you read the statement: "The FTC serves as the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of Identity Theft. While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint helps us investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action."

In other words, the BBB and FTC will give you information on how to spend 200 hours and $1400, and will let you report information to them which can "lead to law enforcement action."

Beyond that, you're on your own, because they will not work to restore your individual credit. But they will send you a 25 page book with some very helpful information. Good luck.

This is not to fault the BBB or FTC. It's only to say that they do not have the resources to, on a daily basis, help over 27,000 people restore their good name and credit. Clearly, Americans need a different kind of help to resolve this issue.

Identity Theft Insurance?
Several companies, including Citibank and the three credit repositories, are offering different kinds of credit monitoring services. You have probably seen the very funny Citibank ads, promoting the protection of your information from thieves, and as a result of the ID Theft epidemic, Citibank now offers protection for their credit cards. This is an excellent idea, but credit card fraud only accounts for approximately 40% of Identity Theft cases.

What about the other 60% of identity theft cases? Well, most often, they happen when someone is using your name to obtain credit or employment. The three credit bureaus have stepped in to offer you credit monitoring services, which will let you track what is going on with your credit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This way, if your information is being used by someone you don't know, you will know about it the day it happens and, ideally, you'll be able to do something about it. The cost ranges from $4.95/month to $19.95/month. With these services, you're generally still on your own to get the issue resolved, but hopefully the early detection will help you be able to resolve the issue in less than 200 hours, and with less than $1,400.00.

Another company has stepped in, because they have seen this trend, and the need that consumers have for protection from identity theft. Kroll Worldwide is the world's foremost risk consulting company. They've been responsible for things like:

Tracking Saddam Hussein's money after the first Gulf War, creating an evacuation plan for the Sears Tower and many of the world's tallest buildings, and handling high profile cases such as the Enron debacle.

Kroll has created a product which not only monitors credit on a daily basis, and (like the credit repositories) gives you credit reports in a way that you can understand them, but they also assign a personal licensed investigator to you, who will do the work along side of you, to get your credit and identity restored and to track down the thief who committed the crime. This saves you time and money

Identity Theft shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, many state and federal law enforcement agencies are predicting that the problem will get worse before it gets better. Other companies are sure to follow the lead of Kroll in providing Identity Theft solutions. Probably no other company will be able to match the background and experience of a company like Kroll, but they will create similar products to help consumers, and within the next 3-5 years, Identity Theft protection will become an important part of the insurance-type products we use to protect ourselves on a daily basis.

In short, what the experts aren't telling you is this:

There is no guaranteed way to protect your information,

In an advanced age of rapid and electronic banking and communication, your information is publicly available to anyone who wants to find it,

If you've been a victim before, you're more likely to become a victim again, and

Identity Theft, as a crime, is here to stay.

Changing the way that you do things reduces the likelihood that you will become a victim, but you have no way of being sure that your information will stay your information.

The real state of affairs today is that you are walking down that dark street on a windy night, and someone robs you, but you don't know it, or feel it, for days, weeks, or months.

Having Identity Theft protection with highly qualified companies like Kroll is like walking down that street, knowing that you have a highly trained personal bodyguard watching your back and walking by your side.

Jonathan Kraft is a specialist in computer-related Identity Theft and options within the legal system. For more information on how you can protect yourself and make sure that your information stays your information, visit http://www.consumerfairplay.com/idtheft.html

Identity Theft: The road back

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine mentioned that one of his co-workers recently recovered his stolen identity. I asked how long the process took. "Only two years" he replied. Compared to the six year nightmare suffered by one of my business associates, "only" maybe appropriate. However like most victims of identity theft, my friend's co-worker probably thought in terms of "when". As in, "When will I get my life back?"

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non profit consumer organization, reported that identity theft victims spend on average 175 hours trying to recover their identity, often over a period of years. Factor in out of pocket expenses which usually total, usually over $1,500 according to the Federal Trade Commission and recovery gets painfully magnified.

What are the steps to identity restoration? It starts with obtaining a police report. You're going to need it for contacting the many and I mean many different agencies and organizations, including the Social Security Administration, The Federal Trade Commission, all of your financial institutions, the 3 major credit bureaus, the Passport Office, The Department of Motor Vehicles, the Post Office, and other law enforcement agencies as well as the Medical Information Bureau, since identity thieves now target hospitals and doctor's offices. All of these places must be sent a fraud notification alert.

It is vital that you contact other law enforcement agencies. The databases of local and federal authorities must be searched to ensure no criminal activity exists on your identity.

Concerning your financial institutions, get them to cancel your credit cards and close your bank accounts. Find out from your bank about any suspicious activity, such as accounts tampered with or opened fraudulently. Reopen new bank accounts with password verification.

When contacting the credit bureaus make sure your credit report reflects the identity theft and gets flagged with a fraud alert. Dealing with all these organizations requires constant follow up. Make sure you keep a record of who you talk to along with the date, time and action taken. Many victims received assurances from the various bureaus and agencies that the matter would be resolved only to find the identity theft remained and that were still liable. If you do this yourself, be diligent. Constant follow up all the way to the end.

This also requires knowing your rights. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1992, you must be told not only what's in your file but if that information is being used against you. The Federal Trade Commission recently expanded the rights available to victims of identity theft including your right to get negative information due to fraud blocked from your records.

Stay Away from "credit repair "companies". No matter what they advertise, there's usually nothing they can do to help you with identity theft. Some of them even offer to help you
apply for credit under a new identity. Hello? When trying to eliminate fraud from your record you don't want to create more fraud!

Advise the utility companies. Many identity thieves open telephone accounts, purchase cable television or establish credit with the gas & electric companies. It's not just bank accounts and credit cards.

If necessary get counseling. Identity theft can be a shattering experience not just economically but emotionally. Many victims feel ashamed and humiliated. It's not their fault of course but the feelings remain. A network of support groups and counselors exists if you need it.

The road back from identity theft can take time, money, and cause much stress and pain . But with follow up, support and belief that the nightmare will end...the nightmare WILL end.

Don't go it alone. Get free information concerning identity theft protection, 24/7 monitoring and fast restoration.
Go to http://digbig.com/4cmcg now.

Daryl Campbell owns and operates WintheMarket.com a home based company that helps people build and protect their internet business.

 

Identity Theft - Red Flags That May Indicate You're a Victim

You've heard the "buzz" about identity theft, but what exactly is identity theft? According to Wikipedia, identity theft (or identity fraud) is the deliberate assumption of another person's identity, usually to gain access to their finances or frame them for a crime. "Dumpster diving" (someone going through your trash), "shoulder surfing" (someone watching from a nearby location as you punch in your credit card number or ATM PIN # or eavesdropping as you give your personal information over the phone) and "phishing" (someone sending an email that appears to be from a legitimate business) are only a few ways of obtaining your personal information. Once they have obtained your personal information, identity thieves often change the address on your bills, keeping you unaware that your identity has been stolen unless you are aware of when your bills normally arrive in the mail, keep track of what you charge and check your credit reports annually.

Here are several red flags that indicate you may be a victim of identity theft:

1. You check your credit reports annually and find there are new charge cards showing with companies you don't know.

2. You receive a bill for a credit card account you didn't open.

3. You notice charges on your credit card statement you did not authorize.

4. You haven't received your bills or credit card statements when they normally arrive.

5. Your bank statements show unauthorized transfers or withdrawals.

6. You receive a call from a collection agency about an account you never opened.

7. You receive calls from businesses about merchandise you didn't buy.

8. You're denied credit because debts show up on your credit reports that don't belong to you.

If you notice any of these red flags, don't panic - there may be a logical explanation. But DO follow up on it right away. If it appears you may be a victim of identity theft, go to http://understandingidentitytheft.com/articles/article-67.html for a list of steps you should take immediately to rectify the situation.

Debbie Pettitt is the webmaster of two web sites designed to provide you the latest news and information on identity theft and credit scores. For further information on identity theft, visit http://understandingidentitytheft.com. For information on how to check and/or correct your credit score, go to http://yourcreditscoreranking.com.

Detect Key Logger, Identity Theft Spyware

To detect key logger spyware, you need to know what it is and how it works. Key logger is an invisible software program that identity thieves can use to track your online activity.

It is almost impossible to detect key logger on your computer and even if you're careful you'll never know if it is recording information such as bank account passwords and credit card numbers.

You won't even see your machine slow down or see anything unusual. It just silently watches every keystroke you type in as if the identity thieves were standing over your shoulder.

At least on third of all online scams can now be traced to keylogging. If you type key logger into any Internet search engine you can find several perfectly legal ways to buy and install it.

Several businesses use key logger software to monitor employee activity and parents can use keylogging to check up on the web sites their children are visiting. But in the hands of a hacker wanting to steal your financial information, key loggers are extremely dangerous.

Attackers who use key logger spyware often sell the information to third parties who can funnel money out of bank accounts or charge up credit cards. Hackers who use keylogging to get into one computer at a company have the ability to steal vital information from the entire organization.

The best rule of thumb is to carefully monitor what you download on your computer and what sites you visit. The major sites of banks and retailers are usually relatively safe. But be aware of downloading free software from an unfamiliar site that could leave you vulnerable to a potential hacker.

Here are a few tips to protect you against keylogging:

* Never open spam e-mail.
* Do not open e-mail attachments from someone you don't know.
* Do not click ok on pop-up windows without reading them first.
* Use a firewall to help prevent any unauthorized computer activity.
* Run a weekly, full system anti-virus computer scan.

Computer experts say the number of keylogging crimes is on the rise but there are ways to protect yourself . Detecting key logger spyware and destroying it can be done by installing spyware protection software.

Becoming aware of the different ways that you can avoid this from happening to you is the first step to protecting yourself.

This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, computer firewalls and valuable tips. For regularly updated articles about adware, spyware and protection from identity theft go to http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html

Identity Theft - 10 Simple Ways to Protect Your Good Name

Identity Theft is one of the most serious problems facing Internet users. Identity Theft is exactly as the name states - someone steals your Identity and commits fraud in your name. It can result in untold financial and legal problems that may literally ruin your peace of mind and/or your life. Someone gaining control of your most personal details can reck havoc and result in dire consequences for you and your family.

So you must do everything in your power to prevent Identity Theft. Actually, if you follow some simple 'common sense' procedures - you can reduce your risk significantly. Follow these simple steps and you may prevent yourself from becoming a victim of Identity Theft.

Please keep in mind, any computer connected to the Internet can be hacked! The only way to be 100% safe from Identity Theft is to not use a computer or the Internet. Even then, many banking institutions and government agencies may have your vital information in their hands and possibly online - so no one is really safe!

Despite this grime prospect, there are many things you can personally do to protect yourself from Identity Theft. Simple safeguards that canstop would-be thieves in their tracks and make it difficult for anyone to misuse your well earned good name and reputation.

Try these relatively simple steps:

1. If you do a lot of surfing on the web - set your own security standards! Most browsers will let you set the security level of your connections. If you're using Internet Explorer, click on Tools in the task bar, go to Internet Options and set your level of security. Try to set this to as high a standard as you can.

2. Place a firewall on your computer or network. A firewall is a system or gateway that prevents unauthorized access to your computer or private network.It is usually the first line of defense in protecting your private information or data. A good firewall will help protect you from malicious attacks of spyware, adware, malware, worms, trojans, and hackers. There is no reason not to have a firewall in place, you can download a free firewall from www.zonealarm.com for your personal use.

3. Get a good anti-virus software program that will help protect your computer against spyware, adware, malware and so on. Purchasing such a program that is updated regularly will save you money in the long run and will add an extra layer of protection for your PC.

4. Don't store your vital information (credit card numbers, family information, passwords, etc.) on your personal computer, instead store it on CDs or floppy disks or on a computer that is not connected to the Internet.

5. If you use passwords, make sure they are hard-to-guess passwords. You should have passwords that are at least eight characters long - consisting ofa mixture of numbers, upper case and lower case letters. Many securityexperts suggest changing your passwords regularly.

6. Never open emails from people you don't know. Especially, don't open any attachments until they are properly scanned for viruses and spyware.

7. Be aware of phishing - this is where you get an official looking (though fake)email from companies that you may be doing business with - never use a link in these emails to provide personal information. Always open a new browserwindow and type in your 'own' links you have for these companies or sites. Most secure connections will start with "https://"

8. Regularly check your operating system and download any updates that may contain security patches and fixes for your PC.

9. Use an encryption service if you can. This will also help in protecting your vital data from prying eyes.

10. Always shut down your computer when its not in use - especially if youhave a cable Internet connection. And make sure you know who is using your computer.Keep track of family members or friends who have access to your computer.

No doubt there are many more ways to protect yourself against Identity Theft but following and implementing the above steps will give you added protection and peace of mind. In the same light, don't let your guard down -- always be aware of your surfing habits and the information or programs on your computer. Keep a close eye on your PC; any slow down or unorthodox operations should be checked out immediately. Scan your machine regularly, and check out any unauthorized attempts to access your computer. Keep your machine clean.

Believe it or not, a little common sense will go a long way in stopping Identity Theft and keeping your good name safe!

To learn more about Spyware and Adware Click Here:Spyware Removal Guide
 

How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft With Your Purse

Identity theft is the fastest growing criminal activity in the 20th Century, replacing illegal drug sales.

How BIG is this Problem?

Banks, credit card companies and businesses that house servers storing passwords or other sensitive information all report ?break-ins?through Trojan viruses or other online hacking methods ? resulting in the loss of millions of pieces of information. Instances of lost information are employees selling it and other lax security measures resulting in thieves having access to your identity.

Thieves Want

- Your Name
- Date of Birth
- Home Address
- Phone Numbers
- Social Security Number
- Driver?s License Number
- Credit Card Numbers
- CW2 Security Code (the number on the back of your credit card)
- Your Credit Report
- ATM Cards
- Telephone Calling Cards
- Mortgage Details

Where Are They Getting Your Information?

- Banks
- Credit-Reference Agencies
- Retailers
- Credit Card Networks
- Data-Brokerage Companies
- Payment Processing Companies
- Phone Companies
- Schools
- Your Employer
- Doctors, Clinics and Health Departments
- Government Agencies

There are other effective methods:

- Dumpster Diving
- Mail Theft
- Retail Theft
- ?Phishing?/pretexting/pretending
- Purse/Wallet Theft

What are Thieves Using Your Information For?

- Making charges to your existing credit cards
- Opening new credit cards in your name
- Having phone or utilities turned on
- Withdrawing money from your existing bank accounts
- Employment purposes
- Driver?s Licenses
- Tax Fraud
- Social Service benefits
- Student loans
- Business or Personal loans
- Health care
- Mortgage loans/leases
- Auto loans
- Using your ID when caught committing a crime

How Can You Protect Yourself?

- Keep a photocopy of your credit cards, bank account numbers and investment account numbers in a safe
place
- Keep your credit card receipts
- Put a ?fraud alert? on all your credit reports
- If you apply for credit and the card doesn?t arrive on time, call the card issuer
- Choose difficult PIN numbers or passwords. (Don?t use birth dates, your mother?s maiden name, etc.)
- Never give personal information to anyone who sends you an email, a letter or calls you asking for it
- Shred personal information
- Don?t use the ATM machine if someone is watching you
- Pay attention to what?s going on around you ? cell phones often have cameras in them. If someone is standing by you with a cell phone while you're entering a PIN number, block their view
- Review your bills each month. If there?s something you don?t remember, call the creditor.
- Check your credit report at least once a year
- Store your cancelled checks safely.
- Don?t leave your purse in plain sight when driving
- Keep your valuables locked in the trunk or glove box when driving
- Make all personal information on your computer password protected
- Don?t carry information about your PIN numbers, passwords and account numbers in your purse or wallet

Warning Signs that Your Identity Has Been Stolen:

- A loan application is denied, or you?re refused extended credit requests
- You are contacted by a debt-collection agency
- Your purse or wallet has been stolen, or your house broken into
- Unfamiliar activity on your credit report

What to do if it Happens to You:

- If your purse or wallet is stolen, call the police
- Contact your bank, credit card and other credit extending companies and report the theft
- Close accounts
- Contact the credit-reporting companies
- Have fraudulent activity removed immediately and monitor your credit report every 90 days for the next year
- Put everything in writing
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
- Change passwords on your existing accounts and create new ones for new accounts

Identity theft is real. There are no guarantees you can keep your information safe, by taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your chances of having an ?identity crisis?. Host, Sintilia Miecevole offers resources for purses with designs influenced by the latest trends at http://www.trendipurses.com. Be sure to visit http://www.trendipurses.com to find information from designer handbags, fashion, trends and accessories to vintage, replica, wholesale and much more.

How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

While nothing is ever foolproof you can learn how to protect yourself from identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America today with victims reporting new cases to authorities at an alarming rate.

Last year alone in 2004, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft scams. Those crimes cost them nearly $5 billion. That number of victims and their losses are probably much higher. Several cases go unreported because people are either embarrassed that it happened to them or have no idea where to report it when it does happen.

First, here are a few ways to prevent identity theft so you have less chance of it happening to you. A very important step in learning how to avoid identity theft is to keep a close watch on all of your personal information and your credit report.

Check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus at least once a year to see that everything is accurate. If you find an error, dispute it immediately so you can protect yourself against fraud. Similar names and similar social security numbers often get mixed up, or even worse, someone could have stolen your identity.

Another way to prevent identity theft is not to carry your Social Security card or anything with your Social Security number on it in your wallet. Keep your social security number private because someone could easily steal your identity with your number.

The same goes for your bank card pin number because it makes it easy for a thief who has stolen your wallet to help themselves to your bank account at an A.T.M.

Other ways to prevent identity theft also need to be applied to the Internet. If you use the Internet, make sure all your security software like virus protection and spyware software is up to date. Be aware of Internet scams that ask for any personal or password information.

Legitimate businesses will never send you an e-mail asking you to confirm your personal identifying information. So never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact or you're absolutely sure who you're dealing with.

Also be especially careful about giving your credit card number over the phone to telemarketers. While most companies are legitimate this is a popular way for thieves to obtain your name, address and credit card number.

So what happens if you do become a victim and what is involved in reporting identity theft? Here is the information for the agencies you need to contact.

1. Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

Equifax: 800-525-6285

Experian: 888-397-3742

TransUnion: 800-680-7289

2. Close all of the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use an ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts. The credit bureaus will help you with this step.

3. File a police report. Get a copy of the police report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime. If you don't file the police report you may have trouble proving this actually happened.

4. File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps them learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft . The FTC provides educational materials and self-help tools, as well as an online reporting form. The FTC also maintains a toll-free hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT, with consumer counselors available to assist victims.

If you've had bank accounts set up fraudulently in your name, call these check guarantee companies: Telecheck at 800-366-2425; and the International Check Services Company at 800-526-5380. They can flag your file so that counterfeit checks will be refused.

If your crime was email related, the best place to report email scams is The Internet Fraud Complaint Center or (IFCC). They are a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Their web address is: http://www1.ifccfbi.gov

The bottom line is keep any personal information about you private so you won't become a new victim of this terrible crime. Using these tips to learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and reporting it to the proper authorities will give you a better chance of avoiding this nightmare for you and everyone around you.

This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, valuable tips and updated articles about adware and spyware removal programs to protect your identity. For other informative spyware and adware articles go to http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html

 

WILL THE REAL YOU PLEASE STAND UP?

How To Prevent Identity Theft

Every day, nearly 1,400 Americans are victims of identity theft. It can take anywhere from two to four years to straighten out the nightmare, and the average victim will invest approximately 175 hours and over $800 of their own money trying to get their situation resolved. Here are five steps you can take to protect yourself, safeguard your identity, and ensure that your credit remains sound.

1.Guard your Social Security number. If you have the number printed on your checks, cross it off manually and reorder new checks without it. If you have your SSN as your driver?s license number, request a new one with a different number.

2.Check your bank and credit card statements every month for unusual activity. You only have sixty days to report identity theft, or you become liable for the damages yourself.

3.Mail your bills from the Post Office or a public mailbox to deter thieves from stealing your outgoing checks and erasing the ink to use them later.

4.Shred any receipts and documents containing account numbers, policy numbers, or other personal information that could aid a thief in taking your identity. Trash diggers are known to target dumpsters for personal financial information.

5.Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers. You can opt out of receiving these annoying and potentially dangerous offers simply by calling toll-free at 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). You will be mailed a form asking for your Social Security Number, however, in this case, it?s safe to give it to them so they can remove you from their database.

Don't let someone else live a life of leisure at your expense. Taking these simple steps to protect your identity will pay off for you long term by saving you countless hours of time and aggravation trying to restore your credit and your good name.
How To Prevent Identity Theft

Every day, nearly 1,400 Americans are victims of identity theft. It can take anywhere from two to four years to straighten out the nightmare, and the average victim will invest approximately 175 hours and over $800 of their own money trying to get their situation resolved. Here are five steps you can take to protect yourself, safeguard your identity, and ensure that your credit remains sound.

1.Guard your Social Security number. If you have the number printed on your checks, cross it off manually and reorder new checks without it. If you have your SSN as your driver?s license number, request a new one with a different number.

2.Check your bank and credit card statements every month for unusual activity. You only have sixty days to report identity theft, or you become liable for the damages yourself.

3.Mail your bills from the Post Office or a public mailbox to deter thieves from stealing your outgoing checks and erasing the ink to use them later.

4.Shred any receipts and documents containing account numbers, policy numbers, or other personal information that could aid a thief in taking your identity. Trash diggers are known to target dumpsters for personal financial information.

5.Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers. You can opt out of receiving these annoying and potentially dangerous offers simply by calling toll-free at 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). You will be mailed a form asking for your Social Security Number, however, in this case, it?s safe to give it to them so they can remove you from their database.

Don't let someone else live a life of leisure at your expense. Taking these simple steps to protect your identity will pay off for you long term by saving you countless hours of time and aggravation trying to restore your credit and your good name.

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.

Prevent Identity Theft by Checking Your Credit Report

You may not know it but you are entitled to a free copy ofyour credit report once a year from Equifax, Experian andTrans Union!

These three major credit reporting companies, maintain aprofile of how you pay your bills, what type of mortgageloan you qualify for and whether you've been sued or filedfor bankruptcy.

However, this free credit reporting service is not availablein all areas of the United States yet.

The service has been available in the twelve western UnitedStates since January 1, 2005. It is now available inMidwestern states since March 1, 2005.

On June 1, 2005 the service will be available to individualsin Southern United States and for those in the EasternUnited States starting September 1, 2005.

This service is provided under the Fair and Accurate CreditTransactions Act (FACT).It is in response to the raising number of identity thiefreported in the U.S.

The law lets you see what lenders, prospective employers orprospective landlords see.

An addition goal is to help you spot identity theft byletting you to see a list of all credit accounts open inyour name. For you to view your report regularly may be thebest ways you have to determine how your credit ratingstands and if you have been a victim of identity theft.

You have the ability to request one credit report from eachof the three credit reporting companies once a year.

The best way to make the most of this free credit reportopportunity is by ordering a credit report from one of thethree credit companies every three-four months. In that wayyou can monitor your credit regularly at no cost.

The official website that you can get your credit reportinformation is -- www.annualcreditreport.com.

Once you are at the site, you will able to link to the threecredit companies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, specialweb pages to get your credit report.

However, be aware of the advertising on each agency's freecredit report site that may lead you to believe that youmust purchase one or more of there other services, like yourpersonal credit score number, to get your free creditreport.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act does notprevent these credit reporting companies from advertisingtheir other services before you are able to get to your freecredit report.

When you are at one of the credit reporting companys sitepages it is not clear that you may get your free creditreport without purchasing any of the companys otherservices.

As you visit the credit reporting companys site you may getthe impression that you must pay to see your credit score(also called a FICO score) before you are able to see yourfree credit report.

This is not the case, your credit score is the numbercalculated on a scale between about 300 and 925. It is usedwhen you're buying a new car, house or other majorpurchases. You'll still have to pay one of the creditcompanies a fee to see that number. This credit score numberis different from the information within your free creditreport.

The official site is separate from the credit reportingcompanies regular sites, where you still must pay to getyour credit information.

In addition, there are a few look-alike sites you mayconfuse with the official free credit report site. Theseother sites may have been setup for outright credit fraud.Be very careful that you are working with the official sitesetup and maintained by Central Source, a joint ventureamong the three credit companies to process these freecredit reports -- www.annualcreditreport.com. If you receivean offer through the mail, via phone call or an email toprovide your credit report for a fee, it is probablyfraudulent.

Here's how to Request your free Credit Report

Online: www.annualcreditreport.com.

Or you can call toll-free: 877-322-8228

Or order by mail:Annual Credit Report Request Service,P.O. Box 105281,Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

If you request report by mail you must mail in a requestform available on the site of the Federal Trade Commission:

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/docs/factactrequestform.pdf

The reports are sent to you within 15 days.

If you're ordering your report online, it's best to go tothe www.annualcreditreport.com site directly rather than togo through the one of the three credit reporting companyssites. You may get your free report at their sites but youfirst must go through their advertising for monthlycredit-monitoring programs and other services they offer toget your free report.

If you do this inquiry online, be sure to do your inquiryfrom your home computer because you'll need to have certainfinancial information handy to answer security questions.

You'll be asked a series of personal questions to make sureyou are the person that you say you are, including yourbirth date and Social Security number.

Central Source says its security protocols and measuresprotect personal information from unauthorized access orrecord alteration. In addition, your Social Security numberis encrypted for your additional protection.

And you can request that just the last four digits of thatnumber appear on your printed credit report.

As mentioned above, you may request one report from eachcredit company once a year. To get the best use of this freeservice, it's best to request your credit report from onecredit company this month and request your credit reportfrom another credit company about three-four months latter.Then request the third version of your report aboutthree-four months after that.

After you request the credit company that you want toprovide your credit report you'll be redirected to specialsite pages set up by each of the three credit companies.Each will ask you a series of personal questions to validateyour identity; the name of your mortgage lender, the amountof your monthly payment, the amount of your auto loan, etc.

Each of the three has a different look and feel:

~ Experian has a handy summary report that shows the numberof "potentially negative" items in your report and number ofaccounts in good standing.

~ Equifax shows an exhaustive list of accounts, what typethey are, when they were opened, the balance and creditlimit, last payment and account status.

~ TransUnion uses a color-coded series of boxes to showwhich accounts are current and which are overdue.

All three show who else has been looking at your creditreport, credit card companies seeking to approve you for acredit card offer, mortgage brokers, lenders trying todetermine the terms of a loan, or existing creditorsreviewing your account.

You can choose to just look at the information online orprint the complete report. Your credit report may be dozensof pages long to view or print.

All three offer links for disputing credit reportinformation or reporting an error. You'll also get theaddress and sometimes the phone number for each individualcreditor, handy if you need to follow up on an error.

You are also offered the option of submitting a "personalstatement" where you can explain your credit report in yourown words. The statement remains on file for two years.

Your basic credit report is free but as you go about gettingto your credit information, you'll have to contend withmultiple offers for fee-based products and services. You donot have to buy any of them to get your free credit report.The credit companies have loaded their pages with offers formonthly credit-report alerts, credit rankings, homevaluators or credit score.

Summery: Getting Your Credit Report

Free credit reports can be obtained once a year bytelephone, by mail or online from the official site operatedby Central Source for Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

~ Online: www.annualcreditreport.com

~ Toll-free number: 877.322.8228

~ Mailing address:Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281,Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

It will take up to 15 days to process phone and mailrequests.

You do not have to pay anything to get your free creditreport.

However, if you want to get a credit score or other extras,you may be charged a fee.

Additional reports can be obtained anytime directly from thecredit reporting companies at prices ranging from $9 for onereport from one agency to $34.95 for a combined report fromall three.

If you want to receive the reports by mail, you must mail ina request form available on the site of the Federal TradeCommission:www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/docs/factactrequestform.pdf

For more information: Check out the FTC's site:www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm

You can also make a complaint online at that site address.

Credit Report Tips

You don't have to order all three reports at once. Staggeryour requests so you can view your credit over the year;i.e.: order one report now, the next report in three monthsand the third report in about six months. Then next year youwould be eligible for another free report from the firstcredit company. This currently only applies to those in theWestern and Midwestern U.S. The rest of the county will haveto want until their regional roll-out.

If you are planning a major purchase, you may want to getall three reports at once to make sure there isn't anyinformation that might affect your credit.

Read the report to make sure everything is accurate. Eachagency has an address or number you can call to reporterrors. If you are disputing an item listed, the creditagency is required to investigate. Inaccurate, incomplete orunverifiable information must be removed or corrected,usually within 30 days. For more information oncredit-report disputes, go online to the Federal TradeCommission at www.ftc.gov/credit.

If you have any technical problems, you get kicked off thesite, you never get a report requested by phone or mail, oryou only get one of the three reports you request -- writeto the joint mailing address, Annual Credit Report RequestService, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281, andexplain the problem.

If you have been the victim of identity theft, you areeligible to get a free credit report from all the agencieseven if you've already received your free annual reportunder the program.

If you have complaints about the program, contact the FTConline at www.ftc.gov/credit then click on "File aComplaint." or you can write to FTC Consumer ResponseCenter, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Room 130, Washington,D.C. 20580. You can also send a written complaint to theofficial credit-report site at the Atlanta address listedabove.

Steven Presar is a recognized small business technology coach, Internet publisher, author, speaker, and trainer. He provides personal, home, and computer security solutions at www.ProtectionConnect.com. He provides business software reviews at www.OnlineSoftwareGuide.com. In addition, he publishes articles for starting and running a small business at www.Agora-Business-Center.com. Be sure to sign-up for the SOHO newsletter at this site.

Useful Suggestions for Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft

It's no surprise that thousands of Americans are victimized by identity theft each year. Last year more than 9,000,000 people were victims of identity theft amounting to some $45 billion dollars.

By the time the average person realizes they have become a victim of identity theft; it is much too late. By this point, the victim's financial stability and credit rating may be impacted significantly.

What can you to to protect yourself from identity theft? Here are some useful suggestions for you...

• Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SSN or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
• Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.
• Use a paper shredder to shred sensitive documents before discarding them.
• Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect your personally identifying information. Find out who has access to your personal information and verify that it is handled securely. Ask about the disposal procedures for those records as well. Find out if your information will be shared with anyone else. If so, ask how your information can be kept confidential.
• Never tell anyone your personal information over the phone or send it through email, or fax. Most legitimate companies will not request this information from you via phone or any other unprotected source.
• Monitor your credit report on a monthly basis to watch for unusual activitiy. Many credit report services will alert you to such activity and even assist you in resolving issues. We have partnered with Equifax to offer you their Credit Watch product.

By following these steps you can lower your risk of becoming an identity theft victim. Being informed is the most valuable protection against identity theft.

Bryan A. Mjaanes is the owner of the successful ReviewCardOffers website - a credit card offer comparison site where you can review more than 130 credit card offers and apply online.

 

Home Loans Identity Theft Protection Could Hurt Home Sales

Identity theft has been a hot topic in the news during the last few years. Just a month or so ago, forty million credit card numbers were compromised due to a computer attack on a credit card processor. Consumers are rightly concerned, as it can take years to unravel the problems created when someones identity is stolen. New legislation in Texas and California, also proposed elsewhere, is designed to protect consumers by letting them put a freeze on their credit reports. Those in the real estate industry are worried, however, that doing so may make it difficult for some people to buy homes.

The concept of freezing credit reports is a simple one. Every time someone applies for credit, the lender contacts on of the three main credit bureaus and requests a copy of his or her credit report, which contains the applicants FICO score. The score, a number ranging from 300 to 850, indicates how worthy the applicant is to qualify for the loan or credit. The new laws allow consumers to freeze their credit reports, effectively blocking any attempts by anyone to view his or her credit score. If the score cant be viewed, then credit cant be issued, thus protecting the consumer from fraudulent activity.

The process is a simple one, and can be initiated or canceled with a simple transaction on the Internet. The problem, according to those in the real estate industry, is that this simple security precaution may make it difficult for a consumer who has blocked their credit to buy a home. In many markets, homes put up for sale sell in a few hours or days, and the process of unfreezing a credit report can take longer than that. If a home seller or lender cannot assess a potential buyers credit rating, then the home sale may be lost to another buyer. True, it is a simple process to unfreeze a credit report, but some consumers may forget that they froze their reports in the first place, or they may forget or misplace their username or password for the Website that allows them to unfreeze their report.

On the surface, the new laws to protect consumers seem to be a good idea, and those in the real estate industry who are concerned may find that their worries are unjustified. This is a case where all parties would benefit from taking the time to see if the laws are effective, and whether or not they actually hurt the real estate industry. In the meantime, anyone considering purchasing a home should be made aware of the ramifications of freezing their credit, as doing so may make it more difficult to purchase the house of his or her dreams.

debt consolidation and credit counseling information and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on mortgages and home equity loans.

Identity Theft Exploding: Heres How you can Avoid Becoming a Victim - Plus, Tips if you do Become a Victim

Americans are more concerned about
identity theft than unemployment or
corporate fraud, according to a
survey of 2,000 people conducted by
Star Systems.

Nine out of ten Americans demand
new federal legislation, while
two-thirds say the financial
services industry needs to do a
better job of verifying the
identity of customers who open bank
accounts (66 percent) and credit
card accounts (72 percent).

Some 5.6 percent of respondents
reported being victims of identity
theft, which translates to 12
million people. When debit and
credit card fraud and identity
theft were combined, close to 15.9
percent of consumers say they have
been the victim of one of these
crimes. (Source: Star Systems,
2003)

For most of us, using your debit or
credit card to make a purchase has
become an every day aspect of life.
Many of us do it every day and feel
safe in doing so.

But it is far from safe. People
with your debit or credit card
information may make purchases with
your card information over the
telephone, via the Internet, or at
a local retail store.

As we moved to a cashless system of
transactions by debit or credit
card, a relatively simple crime
niche has grown identity theft
and fraud.

Some law enforcement authorities
are not pursuing the crime in a
coordinated and cooperative
fashion. Thus, a situation has
grown that affords the people who
perpetrate such acts of theft and
fraud, act with a degree of
confidents that they will not get
caught.

What can you do to reduce your
chances of becoming a victim of
identity theft or fraud?

Here is a list of actions that you
can take to avoid becoming a victim
of identity crimes.

1. Never throw receipts or
statements away that have personal
information on them. The trash is
the greatest repository of
information for the identity thief.
Even better, shred everything that
has identifying information on it
(transaction receipts, etc.).

2. Pay to have an unlisted
telephone number in your local
telephone directory.

3. Take as much identification off
of your personal checks and
drivers license as possible. Thus,
no home addresses, phone numbers,
or social security numbers on
personal checks. Last only your
last name and first initial rather
than your full name. You want a
retail clerk to check your ID when
you are cashing a check.

Most states now provide a photo ID
on all new automobile drivers
licenses issued. If you do not have
one, conceder getting your licenses
renewed now to get a photo ID for
identification purposes. Do not put
your social security number on your
drivers license.

4. Check your bank accounts for
suspicious activity everyday, this
can be done online via the
Internet.

5. Have your middle initial removed
from all public documentation if
possible. Middle initials help
identity thieves narrow down their
searches for victims.

6. If someone calls you asking for
your personal information on the
telephone do not provide any
personal information to anyone over
the phone.

7. Dont leave your mail out
overnight. If you will be away from
home for any period of time: have
your home mail delivery stopped. If
possible, secure a locked mail box
at your local post office or a
retail store mail box service for
your home mail delivery.

If you go on vacation, have your
mail and newspaper delivery stopped
and arrange to have your yard
maintained. Include the post
office, newspaper service, and your
friends or neighbors to insure that
your home looks as if it is
occupied while you are gone.

For a checklist for your home
security while you are away see
ProtectionConnect.com/homesecurity
www.ProtectionConnect.com/sitemap.
www checklist.html or html#home.

8. Write Check ID on the back of
your debit or credit cards next to
your signature. In that way, when a
retail store checks your signature
on your card, they will verify that
the card is being used by the
proper individual.

9. Be aware of people standing too
close to you and shoulder surfing
you while you conduct your ATM
transactions.

If you do become a victim of an
identity crime do the following:

1. Demand to file a police report
no matter how unwilling the law
enforcement office may be. Make
sure to get a copy or at least the
report number.

2. In the case of card fraud, make
sure to cancel your card and report
it as stolen to your credit card
company as soon as you find out.

Immediately, fill out affidavits
with the appropriate financial
institution denying that you were
the one who made the relevant
purchases. In most cases, the banks
will respond with up to a 30-day
process that requires the
businesses that accepted the
fraudulent transactions to repay
the banks.

3. Report the fraud to the three
major credit bureaus:

~ TransUnion Post Office Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022

~ Equifax, Equifax Equifax Credit
Information Services, Inc Post
Office Box 740241 Atlanta, GA
30374 1.888.766.0008

~ Experian Consumer Information
Post Office Box 1909 Orange, CA
92865

4. The U.S. Secret Service handles
fraud cases that cross state
borders. If you know that your case
applies, contact their local office
to make them aware of your case. If
it is part of a broader fraud case,
you may be contacted by an agent.

5. You can also fill out a
complaint form with the Federal
Trade Commission, although this is
strictly used to track national
identity theft statistics.


Nine out of ten Americans demand
new federal legislation, while
two-thirds say the financial
services industry needs to do a
better job of verifying the
identity of customers who open bank
accounts (66 percent) and credit
card accounts (72 percent).

Some 5.6 percent of respondents
reported being victims of identity
theft, which translates to 12
million people. When debit and
credit card fraud and identity
theft were combined, close to 15.9
percent of consumers say they have
been the victim of one of these
crimes. (Source: Star Systems,
2003)

For most of us, using your debit or
credit card to make a purchase has
become an every day aspect of life.
Many of us do it every day and feel
safe in doing so.

But it is far from safe. People
with your debit or credit card
information may make purchases with
your card information over the
telephone, via the Internet, or at
a local retail store.

As we moved to a cashless system of
transactions by debit or credit
card, a relatively simple crime
niche has grown identity theft
and fraud.

Some law enforcement authorities
are not pursuing the crime in a
coordinated and cooperative
fashion. Thus, a situation has
grown that affords the people who
perpetrate such acts of theft and
fraud, act with a degree of
confidents that they will not get
caught.

What can you do to reduce your
chances of becoming a victim of
identity theft or fraud?

Here is a list of actions that you
can take to avoid becoming a victim
of identity crimes.

1. Never throw receipts or
statements away that have personal
information on them. The trash is
the greatest repository of
information for the identity thief.
Even better, shred everything that
has identifying information on it
(transaction receipts, etc.).

2. Pay to have an unlisted
telephone number in your local
telephone directory.

3. Take as much identification off
of your personal checks and
drivers license as possible. Thus,
no home addresses, phone numbers,
or social security numbers on
personal checks. Last only your
last name and first initial rather
than your full name. You want a
retail clerk to check your ID when
you are cashing a check.

Most states now provide a photo ID
on all new automobile drivers
licenses issued. If you do not have
one, conceder getting your licenses
renewed now to get a photo ID for
identification purposes. Do not put
your social security number on your
drivers license.

4. Check your bank accounts for
suspicious activity everyday, this
can be done online via the
Internet.

5. Have your middle initial removed
from all public documentation if
possible. Middle initials help
identity thieves narrow down their
searches for victims.

6. If someone calls you asking for
your personal information on the
telephone do not provide any
personal information to anyone over
the phone.

7. Dont leave your mail out
overnight. If you will be away from
home for any period of time: have
your home mail delivery stopped. If
possible, secure a locked mail box
at your local post office or a
retail store mail box service for
your home mail delivery.

If you go on vacation, have your
mail and newspaper delivery stopped
and arrange to have your yard
maintained. Include the post
office, newspaper service, and your
friends or neighbors to insure that
your home looks as if it is
occupied while you are gone.

For a checklist for your home
security while you are away see
ProtectionConnect.com/homesecurity
www.ProtectionConnect.com/sitemap.
www checklist.html or html#home.

8. Write Check ID on the back of
your debit or credit cards next to
your signature. In that way, when a
retail store checks your signature
on your card, they will verify that
the card is being used by the
proper individual.

9. Be aware of people standing too
close to you and shoulder surfing
you while you conduct your ATM
transactions.

If you do become a victim of an
identity crime do the following:

1. Demand to file a police report
no matter how unwilling the law
enforcement office may be. Make
sure to get a copy or at least the
report number.

2. In the case of card fraud, make
sure to cancel your card and report
it as stolen to your credit card
company as soon as you find out.

Immediately, fill out affidavits
with the appropriate financial
institution denying that you were
the one who made the relevant
purchases. In most cases, the banks
will respond with up to a 30-day
process that requires the
businesses that accepted the
fraudulent transactions to repay
the banks.

3. Report the fraud to the three
major credit bureaus:

~ TransUnion Post Office Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022

~ Equifax, Equifax Equifax Credit
Information Services, Inc Post
Office Box 740241 Atlanta, GA
30374 1.888.766.0008

~ Experian Consumer Information
Post Office Box 1909 Orange, CA
92865

4. The U.S. Secret Service handles
fraud cases that cross state
borders. If you know that your case
applies, contact their local office
to make them aware of your case. If
it is part of a broader fraud case,
you may be contacted by an agent.

5. You can also fill out a
complaint form with the Federal
Trade Commission, although this is
strictly used to track national
identity theft statistics.
 

Steven Presar is a recognized small
business technology coach, Internet
publisher, author, speaker, and
trainer. He provides personal,
home, and computer security
solutions at
www.ProtectionConnect.com. He
provides business software reviews
at www.OnlineSoftwareGuide.com. In
addition, he publishes articles for
starting and running a small
business at www.abcResults.com. Be
sure to sign-up for the SOHO
newsletter.

 

Identity Theft Early Detection Is Key

Identity Theft Early Detection Is Key
by Jonathan Citrin

Protecting yourself from Identity Theft (ID Theft) is an important matter. ID Theft is defined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as, "when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number, bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes."

In a summary report dated September of 2003, the FTC reported that "almost 10 million Americans have discovered that they were the victim of some form of ID Theft within the last year." Further, the FTC estimates that the "total cost of this crime approaches $50 billion per year." (The report can be viewed and printed at http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/09/synovatereport.pdf.)

Though preventing ID Theft is ideal, also important is your ability to quickly determine when your identity is being used without your knowledge. Early detection is essential in preventing undue loss, as well as protecting your credit from long-term damage. One means of finding out if you have been a victim of ID Theft is through the use of a credit report.

A credit report is a list of all credit cards, debts, accounts, and other information associated with your social security number. That is, by going to the website of one of the three main credit reporting agencies and running a credit report, you will be able to see all the financial information linked to your social security number. Most importantly, you may be able to identify an error or fraudulent activity.

When viewing your credit report online, information will be given in seven sections: personal information, account information, inquiries, collections, public records, consumer statement, and dispute file information. One of your main objectives should be to verify all accounts and information as being valid. Carefully read the entire credit report looking for errors or anything unfamiliar. If you should see something out of the ordinary or wrong, contact the credit reporting agency immediately- you may be a victim of ID Theft.

Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting agencies, says you should, "Check your credit report regularly. Checking your credit report can help you catch mistakes and fraud before they wreak havoc on your personal finances. Make sure your report is accurate and includes only those activities you've authorized. It's also a good idea to review your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every year -- it's possible that information is reported to one but not the others."

To that end, Equifax has developed a great tool for running your credit report. It is called the "3-in-1 Credit Report". You can sign-up with Equifax and view your information with all three major credit reporting agencies at one time (this can also be done through the other two credit reporting agencies- TransUnion and Expirion). Currently, this detailed report costs around $30 on the Equifax website (www.equifax.com) and is well worth it. Running your credit report is an important first step in prevention and early detection of ID Theft.

For tips on how to further protect yourself from ID Theft, or if you believe your identity has been stolen, please visit the FTC website (http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/).Jonathan Citrin provides financial goal planning services. Go to http://articles.citringroup.com for hundreds of educational articles about Personal Finance, Retirement Planning,Investment Planning, and College Savings.

Own your own online business? You might be a Target for Identity Theft

Own your own online business? You may be a target for ID Theft.

QUESTION: What day of the week do you put your garbage can out on the
street?

ANSWER: That is the day you are MOST vulnerable to Identity Theft.

Why?

Think about what you put into your garbage can.

If you are like most people, you have tossed a lot of "junk mail" into
the garbage (usually tied up in a neat plastic bag). Things like
"pre-approved" credit card applications, just waiting for a signature
and returning them back to the bankwith your NAME on the application
form.

Other items include canceled checks, medical bills (usually with your
social security number), phone bills utility bills, and charge card
account information.

Armed with the critical few bits of information you provided in your
garbage can, criminals can hijack your credit reputation and go on
hundred-thousand-dollar shopping sprees using new credit cards issued
in your name.

They can run up large phone charges to 900 numbers, make long distance
phone calls, and using your cancelled checks, make Automatic Check
Transactions on-line to buy what ever their heart desires.

Do you want some more bad news? The government can't stop them.

The U.S. Supreme Court, in effect overturning the 1974 Privacy Act,
stated that: "garbage left at a curb for pick-up is public domain and
subject to inspection and seizure by anyone".

This means "anyone" including criminals and your corporate competitors
are free to check your garbage can or dumpster, anytime they are so
inclined.

So what is a person supposed to do to protect themselves and their
family?

The simple answer is to buy a paper shredder and use it every day.

"Shredding makes your personal information unavailable for the taking"
states Tony Storrie, director of marketing for Fellowes, the world's
leading manufacturer of shredders. "Shredding junk mail, credit card
receipts and any other form of personal information means it is
thoroughly destroyed, useless to criminals looking to profit at the
expense of unsuspecting people."

The Privacy Rights Clearing-house (PRC), a non-profit education and
research program administered by the University of San Diego's Center
for Public Interest Law, also suggests shredding, claiming it can
protect citizens against having their sensitive information stolen
by Identity Thieves.

Start Shredding TODAY!

Merritt Tumanis
Permission is granted to reprint the following article as long as no
changes are made and the byline, copyright information, and the
resource box is included. Please let me know if you use this article
by sending an email to mailto:mtumanis@iserv.net

"Credit Alert, Learn how to reduce your risks for Identity Theft"
found at http://www.wmce.net/idtheft/sales.html

P R O F O U N D K N O W L E D G EPeter Andersen

Profound Knowledge by FocusedImpact.com

We all are on a quest for knowledge. Whether it is information that will make our lives easier or just small packets of data that in a trivial way allows us to sort out "why things are the way they are on this planet." As intelligent beings we are constantly receiving and sorting information, in most instances, we are overwhelmed. Therefore, when relevant information arrives that is meaningful, concise and thought provoking, we have a tendency to reflect on this data for the principles and guidance that it offers. Here are seven insights that are worthy of the title Profound Knowledge.

1. LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES: R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Respect is essential for effective leadership. Lack of respect will require a leader to work twice as hard to realize their objectives. Furthermore, leaders can't be successful as disconnected individuals, no matter how great their individual expertise or potential is. To be an effective leader, you must have the support and respect of those you lead.

2. PARADIGMS: BREAKING THE MOLD
Paradigms are sets of rules and regs that establish the boundaries of what is currently believed to be possible within a given field. Therefore, our perceptions of reality, based on our paradigms, dramatically effect our business decisions. Likewise, we try to make future decisions by basing them on our current paradigms. Case in point, in 1968 Swiss watch makers had over 60% of the world's marketshare. By 1978, their dominance shrank to a mere 10%. What happened? The current paradigm had shifted and a new paradigm was born... It was the Swiss that first developed the quartz watch however they did nothing to protect their ideas and freely displayed the new quartz at world watch conferences. Seiko quickly capitalized on this new method of watch design and significantly enhanced their marketshare to become a world leader.

3. THE NEED FOR LONG-TERM VISION: THE PELICAN BRIEF
The pelican catches fish by flying high over their unsuspecting victims then diving at a high rate of speed into the water to forcefully overcome their prey. Although a successful method, this process eventually leads to their demise. You see, diving from high altitudes damages their eyes and slowly breaks down other vital functions that allow for their success. Eventually, the pelican goes blind and is unable to fish at all.

4. WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING
Businesses have used word of mouth marketing for years. In the case of the liquor industry, it was not uncommon to have paid agents visit trendy bars, order the brand of choice (normally an unknown import) and strike up conversations with both barkeeps and customers in order to establish or talk up a cool image. In many cases it worked!

5. SUCCESS
Studies by Harvard, Stanford and the Carnegie Foundation suggest that success on the job depends 85 percent on people skills and only 15 percent on technical knowledge.

6. ORGANIZATIONS AND GEESE
Geese fly in a V-formation where each bird must take a turn at fighting the wind and being the leader. Each must know the common destination and choose the right course and speed. At any given moment each bird must be capable of leading all the others.

7. CREATIVITY
Creativity does not come from inspiration. Creativity comes from knowledge.

Focused Impact Media specializes in strategic and tactical marketing through brand development, positioning and new media communications. Discover more Profound Knowledge at http://www.focusedimpact.com