Identity Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend
Last night, at the Watertown, WI Newcomers and Neighbors
meeting I attended, Officer David Gilbert gave us a
presentation on protecting ourselves from Identity
Theft. I've covered this subject before in this blog, but
it's so important that I wanted to revisit it.
According to the FTC, "identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.
The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn't make--or until you're contacted by a debt collector.
Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit."
Identity theft can occur so easily. It can happen just by carrying around your social security card in your wallet, putting out your outgoing mail in the evening hours before mail pick up, or even tossing an old credit card receipt or insurance card in the trash without shredding it first.
Don't allow yourself to be a victim. To learn more about Identity Theft and how to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
There is a video, plus tons of free information available for both consumers and businesses. You can also find out how you can obtain your credit report--for free.
According to the FTC, "identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.
The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn't make--or until you're contacted by a debt collector.
Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit."
Identity theft can occur so easily. It can happen just by carrying around your social security card in your wallet, putting out your outgoing mail in the evening hours before mail pick up, or even tossing an old credit card receipt or insurance card in the trash without shredding it first.
Don't allow yourself to be a victim. To learn more about Identity Theft and how to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
There is a video, plus tons of free information available for both consumers and businesses. You can also find out how you can obtain your credit report--for free.
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