Identity Theft
- It Can Happen to You
Most people are unaware of identity theft
until months after the fact when the damage is done and suddenly problems
start cropping up everywhere. For most people, the first clues
of possible ID theft are:
Being turned down for credit because
of low credit scores, and bills are always paid on time.
Receiving a credit card in the mail,
you did not apply for
Worse yet, a bill collector calls
and starts demanding payment for purchases you did not make.
These are obvious clues that someone
has compromised your identity and immediate action is needed on your
part.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity thieves steals your identifying
information, age, birth date, social security number, mother's maiden
name, etc., and uses this information to apply for credit, and make
purchases as if they were you. Businesses gladly extend credit
to these thieves because they think they are selling their products
to you, someone with excellent credit.
Most identity thieves go on a fast buying
spree once they have your personal information. They continue
buying and charging purchases as quickly as possible until they are
turned down for purchases because they have ruined your credit, and/or
you have found them out and are shutting down their ability to use your
identity. Then they move on to the next victim. At that point, you
start getting calls from the collection companies demanding payment
for purchases you did not make and your nightmare begins...
Check Your Credit
Report - For Identity Theft Clues
Your credit report is one of the first
places to check to determine if you are a victim of identity theft.
If it shows you have bills that are not being paid on time, and you
know you do pay on time, or if it shows that you've made purchases
that you have not made or have credit where you've not applied then
you should start investigating immediately. The longer you wait,
the more damaging it will be. Identity theft can make it difficult
or impossible to obtain new credit yourself until you get it resolved.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ignore this problem, it will not
go away on its own. You need to act quickly and aggressively to
minimize the damage.
ATM and Bank Checking Accounts
- Identity Theft is not limited to Credit Cards
Identity thieves are experts at getting
into bank accounts and accessing funds. Report a stolen ATM card
immediately. Typically, the longer the crime goes unreported,
the more likely you are to be responsible for the charges incurred.
Don't just ask for a replacement card, get a new account number and
password as well. Electronic banking is another area where you
need to be careful, and report any possible compromise of your checking
account security to the appropriate authorities immediately.
For more information on how to recover
from identity theft review: Steps to Recovery - For Identity Theft
Victims
About the Author:
Renee Bamber is a successful entrepreneur
and online publisher. Renee has researched online banking and
related topics and offers personal checks, from numerous websites at prices typically
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Renee researches and publishes articles
on a variety of topics. Email her directly at articles@4-personal-checks.com
to discuss having her write professional articles for your website.
