Fight Identity Theft Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Fight Identity Theft And Avoid Credit Card Thieves
By Rainbow Spear
It is your worst nightmare. A few months ago, you received an
email asking you to confirm your account information through an
official-looking online form. Even though you thought it was weird
that you were asked for your social security number, you reluctantly
entered it, and became one of 70,000 swindled individuals across
the country.
Or perhaps you ate at your favorite restaurant, only to have
your credit card put through a "skimmer," which records
all your information to be sold to criminals on the black market,
allowing them to set up bank and credit accounts in your name.
Worse yet, maybe you lost your wallet that contained your social
security card, which is a gold mine for thieves.
Reporting Identity Theft To Prevent Further Damage
It’s not easy to combat identity theft once you have been victimized.
There are ways to report identity theft and prevent further damage,
but you may never recoup all of the assets you have already lost.
The first step to fight identity theft is to obtain a free online
credit report from Equifax Inc, Experian or TransUnion, which
are the three major credit bureaus. By law, you are entitled to
one free credit report each year from each of the three bureaus
at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Knowing Who Has Tried To Access Your Report
On your credit report, you will see who has tried to access your
report information. You will also see all new accounts, credit
cards, loans and mortgages listed. If something looks suspicious,
then don’t hesitate to report identity theft immediately. To get
the most accurate report, you should check all three reports from
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Some people get their free credit report from Experian, wait
four months and get another free report from Equifax, then wait
four more months and get their free report from TransUnion. Otherwise,
you may have to pay a small fee to access your information later
in the year.
Place A Security Freeze On Your Credit File
When you report identity theft, you will probably be advised
to place a security freeze on your credit file. This will let
you know anytime someone tries to open a new loan, bank account
or credit card in your name. This means you will need to plan
your loan applications in advance, since it might take up to three
business days to verify and approve your request.
It’s not easy to fight identity theft, but nipping the problem
in the bud is generally your best recourse. You can obtain more
information on security alerts and freezes through www
equifax com.
Pay With Cash In Restaurants
To play it safe, fight identity theft and avoid credit card skimmers,
always keep your card in your sight. If you are at a busy restaurant
where the wait staff has to take your card and ring it through,
opt to pay with cash instead. Never carry your social security
card with you, as that is a gold mine of data for thieves.
Never include your social security number on your checks because
that gives criminals all they need; your name, your bank account
number, your ID and your address! It is a good practice to keep
detailed records of business calls regarding your accounts. Do
not give out your social security number over the phone and request
a copy of the company’s privacy policy to be sure your information
is not being shared.
Review all your credit card statements and your Experian free
report from the credit bureau to be sure no one has opened up
a mysterious account in your name. Be sure to report identity
theft immediately to prevent further damage to your financial
history.
About the Author:
Rainbow Spear has written a number of articles on computers and
software including
Computer Recovery,
Hard Disk Recovery,
Computer Troubleshooting,
Boot Sector Virus Removal,
Affordable Laptops,
Identity Theft Statistics,
Accounting Business Software,
Zone Alarm Download, Internet
Banking, Software
Development, Video
Games, Drivers.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
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