Identity theft is on the rise. The most recent statistics (2014), according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft.
That is nearly 7% of US residents.
Most victims experienced the misuse of credit cards; those are the most easily rectified. Consumers are only at risk for $50.00 due to fraud on a credit card.
As one might expect those with incomes of $75,000 and above are most at risk.
How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft?
1. Monitor your credit: The best way to do this is to go the website www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the best source for free credit reports.
Federal law requires the three main credit bureaus to provide consumers a free report, once per year. Therefore, you can go to each one (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every 120 days and request a free report.
You will want to review the report and make sure that you recognize all of your credit relationships. The website offers most of the information you need to monitor your credit such as how to dispute inaccuracies or incorrect data.
You should also keep an eye on your credit rating for preferred financing rates.
2. Do everything possible to keep your private information secure: People dig through trash cans looking for credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and other personal information. Use a shredder, destroy all of your mail that has personal data.
Protect computers and mobile devices with secure passwords. Be cautious on the internet. Don’t browse on websites that are unfamiliar. Be careful with passwords as well. Many people use the same few passwords for many sites. This is hazardous. Consider using electronic password storage databanks such as www.Roboform.com, www.LastPass.com or others instead of keeping passwords written down or on a computer.
3. Be wary of companies who claim to protect your identity: Consumers Reports published an article that points out many businesses have been fined for deceptive marketing. Before purchasing one of these services be clear on exactly what they provide and at what cost. Much of what they do might be able to be accomplished through step one in the article. For more information, go to www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/01/don-t-get-taken-guarding-your-id/index.htm
4. Consider adding an Identity Restoration Coverage Endorsement to your homeowners’ policy: The coverage is specifically designed to assist if your identity is stolen.
Typically, the endorsements are very low cost and offer case management and legal representation to get your identity restored. Coverage, as an example, may provide up to $25,000 for loss. Review with your insurance agent whether they offer this type of coverage and get a clear explanation into the benefits available from your company.
5. The Federal Trade Commission offers a One-Stop Website that offers an array of new tools for identity theft victims. At this site you will find a free recovery plan that will assist consumers in alerting police, credit agencies and the IRS. If you have to do this on your own, www.identitytheft.gov can be very useful to create and executed a plan to restore your identity.
Hopefully, your Identity is never stolen; although, prevention is the best solution. In the event that it is, use the resource above to get your life back on track.