The Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse and its Steps to Prevent THEFT

The Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse is the second step when you become a victim of identity theft to report the crime. When you report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse, the services will contact various contacts, including the law, investigators, particular "consumer reporting companies," lawyers and so forth in an effort to help you through the crime.

Once you report to the right authorities that you have become victim of identity theft, police department worldwide will have this knowledge. Next, you will need to report the theft to TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax and request and dispute any unauthorized debts, including bankruptcies.

It depends on the state in which you live, but few states offer the option of placing a FREEZE on your credit reports, which supposedly prohibits access to anyone but you and the bureaus. You will be provided a PIN number, which you can remove temporary to allow viewing of your reports in the event you are applying for a job or credit.

Victims of identity theft should be aware that any debts incurred on their reports come from creditors, or public records. When a person is sued, files bankruptcy, files for divorce, or judgments and tax liens are filed against, thus the information is public.

One of the cruelest laws is that the media can report crimes committed by a person, including placing the persons address in the papers. This is a surefire failure in the system that opens up the advantage for perpetrators of identity theft, and even predators to take control of a person's life. Thus, placing your social security number, home address, phone number and other information on credit reports where anyone can gain access is another failure in the system that opens the door for identity theft.

Thus, when a person is victimized by identity theft and the perpetrator commits an act that enforces tax liens, bankruptcies and delinquencies the information goes on the credit report. It is up to the victim to dispute the charges, however, even if the victim succeeds the information may stay on the credit reports for seven, ten, or fifteen years. Many people believe that debts stay on credit reports up to three years, however, Experian clearly states on its letters that debts linger on reports for 'seven years," while 'bankruptcies" remain on the reports for 'ten years,' and "tax liens" stay on the reports for fifteen 'years.'

When you dispute a charge on your credit report and after the investigation it is found you are telling the truth, thus the credit bureaus will place deleted behind the charge. To dispute any charges you must contact the credit bureaus dispute service by calling or going online and visit the credit bureaus sites. Keep all letters where a dispute was filed on records. If the companies accusing you of the debt, after a dispute is made cannot show proof that you incurred the debt, thus the credit bureaus will include "dismiss" or "deleted" behind the charge.

Thus, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) laws you have the right to sue anyone causing damage to you, by giving out, selling, or leasing your information, you may sue him or her in federal or state courts. Therefore, learn your rights, since companies will sell, rent, lease, or give out your information to others in some instances.

It is against the law for any company willfully given out information to others without the consent of the individual. Thus, under law the person can be sued, fined and tossed in jail, or both. For example, if a company sells, leases, rents, or gives your information out to someone else and you become victim of identity theft by reason of this action, you have the legal right to file charges and sue the company.

Finally, the steps to reporting identity theft include: Filing a report with the police, Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse and notifying the credit bureaus. You will also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as the Social Security Administration. For more information on identity theft, read and learn.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Valuable Information for Identity Theft Victims

Identity theft is one of the biggest problems we are facing in society. Bankers, credit card lenders, law, and other sources are working to find a solution to the problems. At what time a person falls into the hands of an identity thief, they will struggle for months and even years to restore their identity.

As a victim of identity theft, I learned to never lose control and keep the fight going, even if activity ceases. Every day I struggle to survive rejections and pray that the perpetrators do not commit a crime that lands me in the courtrooms or in jail. Thus, I took up Criminal Justice working to obtain my Bachelors degree for the purpose to have ammunition to continue my battle. It is costing me over $20 Grand and this does not include the mental anguish and price I have paid in the past as the victim of identity theft.

One of the best sources online according to a few identity theft victims came to my attention, thus I am ready to share any information to help you prevent identity theft, or else recover from the crime. Rely Delta is one of the many sources that help fight identity theft. The company teams up with others working together to fight identity theft, and according to victims of identity theft, this particular company helped them in less than a week.

One week...I can only dream of what these people are saying, since it has been seven long years fighting for my own identity when I spent a lifetime to find my identity. If this service offers help this quickly, I encourage everyone victimized by identity theft to request help from this source, since the law and other authorities have done nothing in line of helping me restore my life, since 2000.

Another great source supposedly is Kroll who teamed up with Pre-Paid Legal Services, which I have used in the past, to work against identity theft. Kroll is a risk management service that helped track down some of the terrorists of September 11 according to few. The service monitors your credit reports ongoing and opens the doors so that you have access to your own credit reports. CV2Now is another source that helps to fight identity theft, while monitoring credit reports; however, I visited the site first hand and did not see security, thus proceed with caution if you want to challenge this site for help. Payment processors are one of the biggest problems that lead to identity theft. Payment processors are machines that process payments abroad the World Wide Net and phone lines. The source has the biggest leakage over any other source that makes identity theft easier than ever.

Again, as a victim of identity theft, there is no such thing as I heard enough. As a victim of identity theft, until now I have not heard any positive news. I read a bulletin board recently, that informed me about the Rely Delta, which I have not tried yet, but at least the story told was positive. I was robbed of my identity twice, once in 2000 and once in 2001. The first time the perpetrator was offline and stole my personal identification, meaning all my personal identification, my vehicle, and myself. Fortunately, I escaped the hands of the perpetrator, all to learn that the thieves had taken full advantage of my truck and identity before I awaken from the drugs administered to me, which knocked me unconscious so that they could commit the crime. The second crime was committed online when I first joined the Internet. As na?ve as I was regarding the Internet, it did not take me long to learn all I could about computers, identity theft, Internet, and other related subjects.

If Paypal an online bank had not contacted me, it would have taking a couple days longer for me to learn that I was a victim, since my bank regardless that nearly $2000 was drained from my account in less than a day. The first event the perpetrators got fifteen years, while the second perpetrator has not been caught to date. Protect your self now!

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Don't be a Victim of Identity Theft

By Paul D. McDonald, M.B.A.

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, approximately 27 million Americans have fallen prey to identity thieves since 1999. Each year that number climbs higher and higher. In 2003 alone, almost 10 million people in the United States reported being victimized by identity bandits.

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 don't 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 don't 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 world's largest risk consulting company.

For more than 30 years, Kroll has helped companies, government agencies and individuals reduce their exposure to risk and capitalize on business opportunities. Kroll is an operating unit of Marsh Inc., the risk and insurance services subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., the global professional services .rm. With offices in more than 60 cities in the United States and abroad, Kroll can operate and restructure businesses; scrutinize accounting practices and financial documents; gather and filter electronic evidence for attorneys; recover lost or damaged data from computers and servers; conduct in-depth investigations; screen domestic and foreign-born job candidates; protect individuals, and enhance security systems and procedures. 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, and to restore any resulting damage to your credit history.

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 .les will be monitored through Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be brought to your attention, providing you with early detection. You'll 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 Service 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.

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 Legal's IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating identity theft is much less. For just $12.95 a month [$9.95 along with the Pre-Paid Legal membership], 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 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, doesn't 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 Paul D. McDonald, Independent Associate, to sign up for your Identity Theft membership by calling toll-free 1-877-711-1264. Don't 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.

Paul D. McDonald, MBA is a financial professional specializing in working with seniors and business owners. He assists people in making decisions on retirement planning, investing, insurance, budgeting, debt management, and many other critical financial decisions.

Paul can be reached by email pauldmcdonald@prepaidlegal.com or by calling 1-877-711-1264. You can visit his website at http://www.877-711-1264.com for more information

Understanding and Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft - the assumption of our identity - is one of the least understood and most frightening problems. It is a complicated issue and let me tell you how it works: A scamster manages to get my name, address, social security number and credit card or other information. Assuming my identity, the person runs up huge bills and skips without paying, leaving me with a ruined credit and creditors baying for my blood.

Our wallet contains so much information about ourselves, which we normally do not realize. A thief can make use of the information and pretend to be us.

Reducing Exposure to Identity Theft

* We cannot prevent identity theft with a 100% certainty, but we can certainly try to reduce our exposure to it.

* We must carry only the information we need to carry out our daily dealings. We should not carry all our credit cards in our wallet. We must avoid putting our Social Security number on our checks.

* Stolen mail is one of the easiest ways to get personal statistics. Do not leave your mailbox full. If out of town, arrange to have your mail picked up by friends or family members, or arrange to leave it at the post office.

* Do we get alert if our credit card bill is late? I always call up my credit card issuer to ask why. Identity thieves can arrange to change my billing address and run up huge bills before I can realize.

* Employers, merchants, proprietors, etc may have legitimate reasons to ask for my personal information. I always find out why they want the information and provide only that which is required for that particular transaction.

* One of the oldest frauds is being asked to update out of date credit card information, over phone. I never give out any information to strangers. You too should not.

In the next article, let us learn how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Jon Sterling tries to help you overcome Personal Financial problems through informative articles to help you reach your personal financial goals.

Jon publishes articles and ebooks to help individuals with their personal finance needs and goals.

The Dangers Of Identity Theft

Identity Theft is a real and growing problem. So what is identity theft exactly? Basically, identity theft is when someone uses your social security number, your bank credit card number, your driver's license number or any other form of identity without your knowledge or permission.

Many people have fallen victim to identity theft through many different means. Some of these ways are easily preventable due to their common sense obvious nature. Other ways identities are stolen are more dubious and discreet.

What Identity Theft Can Do To You

We often take our liberties for granted. What you know life to be can suddenly change if you've been a victim of identity theft.

While you've been busy with your day-to-day life someone could have stolen your personal information and racked up debts or committed fraud - all with your name on it. What happens then can be anything from being denied employment, credit or even being arrested for a crime you didn't commit.Identity theft is that serious.

Victims of identity theft can spend years paying back debts or fighting to restore their credit as well as their reputation. Finding out you are a victim of identity theft can be frightening and a source of anxiety even after you've resolved the issue.

According to a survey conducted by the FTC (Federal Trade and Commission) 4.6% of Americans involved in the survey responded that they had been a victim of identity theft within the past year. That means about 10 million Americans dealt with some form of identity theft - from using existing credit cards to setting up new accounts or giving false identification when arrested for a crime.

It doesn't stop there. The cost of clearing up the theft ranged from an average of $500 to $1200 per victim. It took them on average 30 hours to resolve the issue while also costing time and money for businesses and agencies who assist these victims.

With all the tools available to potential thieves along with our increasing reliance on paperless money transfers (credit cards, debit cards and online payments) we are incredibly susceptible to having this nightmare come true.

How can you reduce the risk and what do you do if it happens to you or your family?

So, the question becomes, how can you protect yourself from someone stealing your identity?

To protect yourself from identity theft, the first thing you should do when considering how to divulge information about your identity to someone you do not know or may not trust is to use your common sense. Never make one-sided assumptions or take things for granted where your identity is concerned.

Credit card company statements and bank statements you receive in the mail contain your account information including your account number. Any of these items need to be shredded with an inexpensive shredder you can buy at any office supply store. Do not throw credit card statements, old credit cards or bank statements, etc. in the trash as that presents an easy way for someone going through the trash to steal your account information and use it as if they were you.

Another thing you can do to protect yourself against credit card fraud and unauthorized credit card usage is to sign the back of your card as "Check ID". If a store clerk asks to see your card, he or she will check the signature on the back and compare it with some other form of ID you have. This safeguard will not work where a purchase can be automatically completed (like at a gas pump).

When you are buying items at a store or withdrawing money from a bank or ATM machine using your ATM debit card always protect the visibility of your PIN number as you punch it in.

Do not carry your social security card with your number on it in your wallet. Keep your social security card or anything with your social security number on it in a safe place where no one has access to it but you. If you must dispose of anything that has your social security number on it, do not forget to shred it.

When online, do not open files sent to you by strangers or even files that are from someone you know but were not expecting to receive any from them. Do not click on hyperlinks or download programs from people you do not know either. Opening a computer file from an unknown source could expose your system to a computer virus, a Trojan or spyware. These types of programs could be ones that could log your keystroke information containing your credit card numbers, passwords or other sensitive information as you type it in.

If you use Ebay or Paypal, read the company website policies concerning how they handle communication to you about your account information. Never trust an email you may receive out of nowhere from Ebay or Paypal asking you to "update your account information" as this is more than likely a ploy to steal that information and use it illegally.

Use a firewall program and a router while you are online if you have high speed internet that leaves your computer connected to the internet 24/7. The router and the firewall program both make it much more difficult for a hacker to see your computer's actual IP address which means that you have a better chance of safely sending and receiving sensitive information over the internet. Windows XP operating system SP2 has a built in firewall which you should make sure is enabled in your settings.

When you are shopping online, always use a secure browser and shop from a web site that offers secure transactions when shopping online. Most browsers in use today have this protection feature including the popular Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Secure website shopping carts you visit will show up as "https://thestoresdomain.com" in the web browser address bar.

Practice keeping your computer clean from spyware or Trojan programs that log keystroke information by using virus protection software and spyware monitoring and removal software. These programs should be updated regularly, and updates for you're operating system and other software programs should be installed regularly to protect against the compromise of your computer files and password information. Ideally, virus protection software should be set to update itself frequently. The Windows XP operating system will update itself automatically if you enable this feature, which you should.

The consequences of identity theft once thieves have your information can be quite severe and range from going on a spending spree to taking out auto loans in your name. For these reasons and others, it is a good idea to monitor your credit report periodically. A credit report can be obtained from Trans Union Corp. New laws have made it easy for you to get at least one free credit report that you can use to see if accounts have been opened in your name.

Dan Farrell is the owner of http://www.identitytheftcop.com that offers "The Dangers Of Identity Theft And How To Protect Yourself!"

Identity Theft And Pharming - A New Twist On An Old Theme

Identity theft is big business and, like it or not, the likelihood that you will become a victim is increasing. As the Internet and its popularity have grown, the number of unscrupulous operators out there has grown as well. There are so many scams and attack methods out there it is difficult to keep up with them.

One of the identity thief's more productive techniques is phishing. A phishing scam is one where an email message contains a link to a web site that asks for personal information. The scam uses social engineering to trick people to go to a web site they would not normally visit. A common scam is one in which an email that looks like it has come from a bank or credit card company asks you to "click on this link" to update your user information. There is generally a part of the email that tries to convey a sense of urgency to get you to "do it now". When you click on the link you are actually forwarded to a thief's web site that is designed to look like your bank or credit card company's web site. You are then asked to provide information, such as user id, password, and other identifying information. Identity thieves use this information to open or use credit accounts and steal money from unsuspecting consumers.

Phishing attacks are relatively easy the spot and avoid. Never follow links in email messages unless you know the link is valid. Compare the actual link address with the text you see. If you are expecting to go to PayPal.com, make sure the link really takes you there. You can view the hyperlink before you click on it buy pointing your mouse cursor at the link. Most email clients and web browsers will show you what the actual address is before you click on it. If the address doesn't match the web site address you expected to see, don't click on the link. Likewise, NEVER provide any personal information from an unsolicited source. You will also see the address you are visiting in your web browser's address bar. Make sure you are visiting the site you expect.

There is a new trend in identity theft, called pharming. Well, it is actually a fairly old type of attack put to a new and alarming use. The basic attack generally relies on DNS poisoning or domain spoofing. The difference between phishing and pharming is that while phishing targets individuals, pharming targets large groups of people. Before we get into a discussion of a pharming attack, let's look at a short primer on how Internet addresses work.

Anytime you type in an address in your web browser, such as http://www.somecompany.com, your computer needs to find the Internet Protocol (IP) address before sending any information. There are two main methods for finding IP addresses for web site addresses. The legacy method consists of a file, called the 'hosts' file, that lists all of the host names you may want to visit, along with their IP addresses. The other method is to send a name resolution request to a Dynamic Name Server (DNS). The DNS server looks up the address in its database and returns the corresponding IP address. Once your computer looks up the IP address for http://www.somecompany.com, it then uses the IP address for all further communication.

A pharming attack is one where the host file or DNS entry is modified to send users to a counterfeit web site. The slightly simpler of the two attacks is the host file modification. This can be accomplished with a virus or worm. It is generally harder to compromise DNS servers. With the phishing attack, a careful view of your web browser's address bar will show that you are visiting a site you did not expect. Pharming attacks are more difficult to detect since your web browser tells you that you are at the right site even when you really aren't.

The effect of a pharming attack is that all users who want to go to a particular site end up being redirected to a thief's site. While this might sound similar to a phishing attack, it can be much worse. There is no indication to the end user that a redirect has occurred. The web browser still shows the original web address. This behavior makes pharming attacks more difficult to detect. Also, if the thief is able to change DNS entries on a commonly used DNS server, all users who request IP addresses from the compromised server will be sent to the counterfeit site.

So, how do you protect yourself from a pharming attack? Much of the work in stopping pharming attacks is up to the DNS administrators. They will be responsible for ensuring any DNS entry changes are authentic. But, there are some steps you can take. Following these guidelines will reduce your chances of becoming a pharming victim:

Install and update a good anti-virus program. Since many attacks start as malicious software, protecting your system from viruses and other malicious software will go a long way toward stopping an attack before any information is changed.

Protect your 'hosts' file. On Windows operating systems, the hosts file resides at: (assuming C:Windows is where your OS installed) C:Windowssystem32driversetchosts. On Unix systems, it resides at /etc/hosts. You can manually check your hosts file to ensure no unusual entries have been put there or you can install software shields that watch the hosts file for you (along with anti-virus software).

Know the sites you visit and carefully protect any information you give out. Never divulge any information for any reason unless you are absolutely certain the information is necessary and you are providing it to the correct organization. If your bank web site, or any other web site, asks you to provide confidential information, call their customer service department to get confirmation that the information is needed. Don't call the number on the web site (it may be compromised). Look up the number in the phone book or use directory assistance.

As more and more web sites start using digital certificates to authenticate their identities, you will begin to see more popup windows asking you to accept these certificates the first time you visit the web site. Always read the certificate details and ensure the web site really is the one you wanted to visit. If you are unsure, reject the certificate.

We will all hear more about pharming in the coming months. Its use is growing. This is just another opportunity to remind as many people as possible to be careful with the sites you visit and the information you give out. Protect your personal information. Not doing so can be very expensive.

Michael G. Solomon is a security speaker, consultant and author who specializes in assessing and fixing security vulnerabilities. Michael has written several security certification, security education, and project management books and offers more educational materials at http://www.thesecurityguy.net.

All HYIPs Are Scams

High Yield Interest Programs, or HYIP for short, are all scams. It is easy to say that objectively but sometimes hard to believe when faced with something that sounds very good. Especially in this day when people are having a harder time making ends meet, something that is listed as a guarantee return is very tempting. The old saying of if it sounds too good to be true than it probably is fits HYIPs very well.

Part of the problem is that HYIPs are not always called by this name. Others are used so even someone who knows to stay away from them might be lured in with a different name. The biggest give away that HYIPs are scams is that people are told there is no risk. This should send red flags off in anyone's head. When it comes to investing money there is always a risk, even if it's minute. As well as the fact that the higher the risk the more money that can be made. It's like when someone gambles, if the stakes are 2 to 1 you won't earn as much as if they are 50 to 1. Less people take the 50 to 1 odds and so less money has to be paid out to the winners. However those that do win win a lot and if they lose they lose a lot too. Being told that you will get all your money back plus a percentage guaranteed is not feasible. No matter what the investor says they know.

Of course it doesn't help that these scam artists have done this thousands of times before and know exactly what to say to the unsuspecting person. They will say that they have done it for so many years, or the company they work for has, or something along those lines. It may be true they have taken money from people for years, the actual payback they have not. One thing that should make a person suspicious is why would they be calling you, a stranger, to benefit from this "guaranteed" investment? They wouldn't. They would be doing it themselves over and over to become rich and maybe telling their families and close friends. No person who has found a way to make money easily, legally, quickly, is going to tell the secret to a complete stranger just to be able to use someone else's money for the return, even if they are taking a percentage of it. It comes down to using common sense to realize it's a scam.

Raiel Schwartz has been in the HYIP Arena for several months and has been able to create a successful income online with HYIP Investing. He has recently wrote a report entitled Riding The Ponzi which outlines basic rules all HYIP Investors should know

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

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.

Identity Theft...

Steve Graham

"Wow, I never charged $8,000.00 for 10 lbs of Beluga Caviar." That's right pal, someone else did. Hey, did they nail you for wine to go with the caviar?

One of the fastest growing crimes in America is Identity Theft. Victims come from a variety of backgrounds from everyday people to stars like Rosie O'Donnell and Tiger Woods.

E-Business entrepreneurs fall pray to identity theft as easily as anyone else. As a sole-proprietor, your business financial affairs suffer not to mention your sanity. There are some real pros out there. These are individuals who care less that you are about launch an advertising campaign to blow your competitors out of the water or finance that new State of the Art (at least for the next hour) computer system.

This is serious stuff. When someone uses your name to commit fraud, even the IRS can get involved.

I recently spoke with an elderly man from California who fell victim.
He received a bill from the IRS for over $12,000. The IRS matched this poor man's social security number with income that an employer from Delaware had reported it had paid to this old man. (It's the IRS's Under-Reporter Program) The income was not reported on this man's tax return because he was totally unaware of this employer.

The IRS figured out his tax liability for him based on the income submitted by the unknown employer. (Yeah, someone else was using the old man's social security number and name.) The gentleman told me he had recently been a victim of identity theft. His business was virtually ruined. No lender would give him the time of day. When he thought things couldn't get worse, he received a greeting from the IRS.

Anyone can become a victim of identity theft. I'm not referring to online theft of information. Most people have enough common sense to do business with a reputable online business. Identity theft occurs when you unknowingly let down your guard ANYWHERE!

We forget how easy it is for someone to go through our mail, trash or filing cabinet at the office. Information obtained from these sources, in the wrong hands, is enough to do irreparable damage.

There will be over 760,000 cases of identity theft this year alone.

The financial damage caused by an identity thief can prove DEVASTATING TO YOUR BUSINESS! Your credit goes into "SUCK" mode real fast.

Don't become a victim of identity theft! Don't be nave. Don't think it won't happen to you! A maintained credit file is key to not becoming a victim!

Have you become a victim of identity theft without even realizing it has occurred?

SOME THINGS TO DO IMMEDIATELY IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM

1. REPORT ID THEFT TO MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS.

2. FILE A POLICE REPORT.

3. CONTACT ALL CREDITORS.

4. REGULARLY MONITOR YOUR CREDIT REPORT.

There is now a need to stay informed.
STAY INFORMED, visit Steve's web site:
http://circuitsmart.financialcircuit.com

Identity Theft Problem Solution

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 at
http://www.prepaidlegal.com/IDT/markfreink

Hi! My name is Mark Freink. I am an Independent Associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. I just wanted as many people as possible to know about new big problem that is coming on our society. It is Identity Theft. And I wanted not only everybody know about that and also I have the solution how to fight this problem. That is why I am writing this article.

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