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Take Steps To Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious crime that has ruined many lives. Don't let your credit and your good name be next. Treat your financial and personal information with care, and be vigilant about checking your statements and accounts.
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TOP SHELF TIP NO. 20
"It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves."
Francois de La Rochefoucauld, French cardinal of the Catholic Church, 1558-1645 | |
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The more proactive you are about protecting yourself, the lower your chances of being the next identity theft victim. This week Promotional Consultant Today will look at several guidelines you can follow to help prevent identity theft. Monday we looked at lightening your wallet and shredding documents. Yesterday we tackled your personal information, your computer and marketing lists. Today we'll look at tracking your credit and bank information, as well as discuss what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
Inspect Your Credit Rating
You can get a free credit report each year from each of the three main credit reporting agencies. Click here, or call 1-877-322-8228 for information on how to do so.
As you review your credit report, look for any credit inquiries you did not make, any accounts you did not open and any unexplained debts you did not initiate.
Remember to do this for each of the agencies, as you may have different information on each. Each agency has its own reporting guidelines.
Track Credit Card, Bank And Billing Statements
As you open your statements each month, thoroughly read them to make sure all the charges and transactions are legitimate. Identity thieves count on the fact that many people are either too busy or too lazy to read their statements -- that's how many identity theft cases go on for a long time before the activity is spotted.
Keep all your receipts and at month's end, match the charges to your receipts. When done, you can shred the receipts.
Hit Back When Identity Theft Hits Home
If you suddenly start receiving new credit cards in the mail that you did not request, get denied credit for no apparent reason, or receive calls about purchases you did not make, you may be an identity theft victim and need to act fast.
Immediately call each of the credit reporting agencies and have them place a "fraud alert" on your file. This action will prevent the thief from getting more credit cards and loans in you name.
In general, if you call one agency, they will automatically notify the other agencies. However, if you like to play it safe, call all three of the following numbers: Equifax 1-877-576-5734, Experian 1-888-397-3742 and TransUnion 1-800-080-7289.
Dispute Charges
Contact the appropriate companies to dispute any fraudulent charges. Some companies have their own dispute forms; others will accept the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Affidavit, available by clicking this link.
Additionally, check all affected accounts and notify the security department of each company where your account has been tampered.
Tell your bank to stop payment on any unauthorized checks, and notify the check verification service where the bank does business about the identity theft.
Finally, file a police report of the incident. This will provide proof that identity theft did actually occur.
--Source: Douglas Charney, senior vice president Investments with Wachovia Securities in Harrisburg, PA. Wachovia Securities, LLC, Member NYSE & SIPC, is a separate affiliate of Wachovia Corporation C2007 Wachovia Securities, LLC. | |
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Copyright 2005-2007 Promotional Consultant Today. All Rights Reserved. |
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