| According to a recent poll by Experian, one | | | | with a written letter. |
| in five Americans has reported they have | | | | |
| experienced some form of identity theft. If | | | | * If youre being denied credit, or your |
| it happens to you, and your identity is | | | | credit card terms are suddenly being changed |
| stolen, you might be in for a lengthy hassle | | | | to higher interest terms, for no obvious |
| that could cost you your credit rating and | | | | reason. |
| leave a permanent blight on your financial | | | | |
| records. | | | | * Youre suddenly getting phone calls and |
| | | | letters from creditors about purchases you |
| How Credit Card Theft Starts | | | | did not make. |
| | | | |
| Thieves start by targeting your personal | | | | How to Protect Your Credit Information |
| information: Social security numbers, bank | | | | |
| statements, tax reports, credit card debit | | | | The best protection is constant awareness of |
| information and passwords, or even your | | | | the use of your credit information. Choose |
| checkbook. Dont leave this valuable | | | | your passwords carefully. Avoid using any |
| information lying around at your office, or | | | | easily available information, such as your |
| in your car. Be aware that you are leaving a | | | | mothers maiden name, your birth date, the |
| door open for anyone to get access to your | | | | last four digits of your SS#, or your phone |
| bank account or credit card information. | | | | number. If you must use this type of |
| Question anyone who asks for your credit | | | | identifier in opening an account, request a |
| information, including employers; find out | | | | password change immediately after opening the |
| what their privacy policy is and get a copy | | | | account before it slips your mind. Secure |
| of it. Shred all documents no matter how | | | | your credit information at all times, even |
| insignificant they may seem to you. In | | | | around your house--if youre having work done |
| addition, dont ever lend your credit card to | | | | on your home, or if youre having a big party, |
| ANYONE, including family members, unless you | | | | or your roommate brings home guests. Dont |
| are willing to take on their debt personally. | | | | give out any information unless you know |
| Many family arguments have ended up in court | | | | exactly how it will be used and by whom. |
| with bitter feelings from one time casual | | | | |
| credit card or debit card lending that got | | | | The Best Defense for Your Credit Security: |
| out of hand. When you apply for a credit | | | | |
| card, be certain that their online | | | | Stay vigilant. Review your credit card |
| application is secured, and the privacy | | | | statements every month, and question any |
| notice is posted. | | | | suspected purchases by contacting your credit |
| | | | card issuer directly. If you suspect an |
| Spotting Signs of Identity Theft | | | | unauthorized purchase, send a letter to your |
| | | | credit card issuer detailing the item in |
| * If youve frequently been missing your | | | | question and any reference numbers. The |
| credit card bill, or your mail keeps getting | | | | credit card issuer is required to investigate |
| lost contact the post office immediately. If | | | | your claim and report back to you, in |
| you live in an apartment complex , find out | | | | writing, of their findings. You can also |
| from your superintendent or manager if you | | | | request a free annual monitoring report from |
| can change your mailbox key. A missing bill | | | | each of the major consumer reporting |
| could mean that an identity theft has | | | | agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. A |
| occurred and the billing address has been | | | | recent amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting |
| changed. | | | | Act requires that these credit reporting |
| | | | companies provide these reports to you at |
| * If youre suddenly getting credit cards (not | | | | your request, every 12 months. |
| just a credit card offer) from companies that | | | | |
| you didnt apply. Call these companies and | | | | Its your credit. Protect it! |
| find out if you are the account holder; if | | | | |
| not verbally cancel the account and follow up | | | | Copyright 2005 Ed Vegliante. |