|
|
ID Theft: More Annoying Than You Might Think
|
|
|
Unless you've been living in a fallout shelter for the last 10 years (and if you have, congratulations on wrangling internet access), you're keenly aware of just how rampant ID theft is these days. Beyond being the network news favorite new means of scaring you into corporate-sponsored paranoia, ID theft is a legit threat; the FCC says more than a half-million Americans will fall prey to it this year alone. Crimes range from opening and/or using a cell phone fraudulently, to passing bad checks, to taking out a loan in someone else's good name. So how do you avoid being becoming a statistic?
1) Stay on top of your credit card statements.
- If one fails to arrive, it might just mean someone has changed your address so you won't notice the trip to Guam he's booked at your expense.
- If you receive the statement and find any unauthorized activity (that your spouse or kids can't credibly be blamed for), immediately contact the card's issuing bank as well as the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion:
Equifax (http://www.equifax.com/)
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
(800) 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW, http://www.experian.com/)
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
(800) 301-7195
TransUnion (http://www.transunion.com/)
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
(800) 680-7289
2) Guard your personal information like it's the Hope Diamond.
- Shred everything: bank and credit card statements, insurance forms – even credit card offers.
- Never give out your information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you’re 125% sure you know the recipient is credible.
- Keep that social security card tucked away in a safe place and never carry it on you.
- If you're going out of town - even for just a few days - have the post office hold your mail.
3) Don't put yourself out there.
- There's really no need to have your address in the phone book, is there?
- Cancel any credit cards you aren't using, and don't pre-print any unnecessary info. (especially a social security or driver's license number) on personal checks.
- Think twice before giving out your social security number, too. Ask if you can give provide another for of ID in lieu of it.
The average victim of ID theft spends more than $700 and over 120 hours (!) trying to remedy the situation. The bad guys are constantly finding new ways to get what they want, but following the above steps significantly reduces your risk. If you suspect you've become one of the 500,000, hope is not lost. You'll first want to cancel any accounts that you think have been tapped. Report the activity to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, then file (and a keep a copy of) a police report where you believe the ID theft to have taken place. You should also call the ID Theft Clearinghouse at (877) ID-THEFT and. If the crime involves your Social Security number, call (800) 269-0271 to alert the Social Security Administration.
Josh Michaels is a freelance writer who survives on very little income and carefully considered financial decisions. This combination has allowed him to have fun, travel the world, and start a retirement account – all without the pleasure of holding a full-time job. He can be reached at: joshmichaelsmoney@hotmail.com.
|
Here is a translation of the Federal Reserve's surprise rate policy statement.
Read More...
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Bank plans to layoff more than 1,000 employees in Southern California during the second half of 2009, according to an analysis by MortgageDaily.com of Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filings. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidiaries laid off more than 400 California employees during the third quarter. Nearly 600 more California layoffs are planned by Chase during the fourth quarter.
Read More...
|
|
|
A New Jersey defense attorney has been named the central figure in a 14-count indictment with three others who are accused of racketeering, murder and $1.1 million in mortgage fraud.
Read More...
|
|
|
Mortgage rates have held fairly steady since the middle of last week.
Read More...
|
|
|
Don't give out personal data to a middleman, and make sure a dealer isn't sneaking in unwanted fees.
Read More...
|
|
|
|