Frequently Asked Questions
Questions commonly and frequently asked about Identity Theft
1. What Is Proactive Identity Theft Protection?
Simply put, being proactive is about assessing risks and actioning a plan to reduce those risks before it happens. It's the opposite of reactive, which is when you react after the occurrence. A good example is a security alarm, most consumers don't install one until after their house or business has been broken into.
Identity theft is similar. Most people don't think about it until it's already happened. Read more ....
With identity theft costing consumers billions of dollars, more people are becoming proactive and looking at measures to protect themselves before they are hit by the crime. This could be as simple as shredding documents before their disposal or it could be using an organization specializing in identity theft protection.
But what's right for you?
Do a simple risk assessment and look at what can go wrong and the ways to reduce the risk.
Most identity theft crime is perpetrated by a family member or person you know, so don't leave personal information around where others can see it or take it.
Shred documents before disposal top stop them being discovered.
Read about the scams that are happening so that you're one step ahead of the criminals. Some of the more active scams include phishing and phone people posing as security or bank officials.
Lock your mailbox so criminals can't steal credit card offers and other information.
Never give out information over the phone. If someone doesn't need to know your information don't tell them.
If you are on line, make sure you have up to date antivirus and malware protection. If you use wireless internet your risk is increased and you should look at more precautions like encryption, especially if you are dealing with money or sensitive information.
Also, look at yourself from the perspective of an identity thief. Would you be a random target or are you a person who might be specifically targeted because of wealth or position.
2. Are Kids Safe On Line?
It's a little like asking if they'll always be safe walking along the street. If you take the right precautions, yes they are. You help guide them and mentor them. The internet should be a family activity. These days it's a viable alternative to other forms of entertainment; a medium that will further expand into a type of hybrid of itself and cable television in the near future.
Parents should take an active interest and help guide their kid's choices when on line and teach them how to make smart decisions. That doesn't mean locking the computer away or standing over your kid's shoulder as they surf the web, though. Read more...
The internet is a vast landscape of information for all, presenting an opportunity to communicate in a diverse range of ways to a diverse range of people.
But there are dangers.
Parents should be aware of the risks kids face on line and it's probably a good idea to set house rules about what information your children can give out and where they can go on line.
Talk to your kids about their internet experiences and let them know they can tell you if they come across something that worries them. It's also a good idea to let them know that information on the internet is not always reliable or current.
Get up to date with some of the more serious risks like identity fraud, internet bullying, on line stalkers, phishing scams and spam. It'll impress your children if the person setting the rules knows what they're talking about.
Consider using filters or even surveillance software.
You can put the computer in an area of the home such as the living room rather than a child's bedroom. But never micro manage the situation and crowd them or treat the internet like a prison privilege. If you drive your kids underground you won't have any way to protect them.
Think of yourself as a guardian angel. You're there to help, not to control or punish.
3. What Is Fraud Alert?
A Fraud Alert can be attached to your credit report by one or more of the major credit bureaus. It is used as a flag, signaling that confirmation should be sought prior to credit being approved. If you are initiating a fraud alert, you must be concerned that your credit history may be compromised by illegal activity. Perhaps you suspect that it already has.
The fraud departments of the three credit bureaus are available if you want to set up a fraud alert. If you notify one, they should communicate with each other, but this isn't always the case so it's best to notify all of them yourself. Read more ....
A fraud alert means that your name will be removed from all preapproved credit and insurance offers for two years, but make sure you receive confirmation from the bureaus of this. You will be assigned a case number and all documentation should be kept safe in case you need to refer to specific instances at a later date.
How Long Does A Fraud Alert Last
Fraud Alerts are effective for only 90 days, and when it runs out you need to reactivate the alert. A seven year fraud alert can be activated with evidence of fraud being committed.
You could discuss your options with an organization likfe Lifelock who specializes in protecting people against identity theft, in addition to offering insurance they can initiate and re-initiate fraud alerts on your behalf. They can also monitor your credit file for strange occurrences that may lead to identity theft.
Some fraud alerts are not been properly set, leaving consumers unprotected. People who suspect they are a victim of identity theft need to be pro-active when protecting their credit history. It is important to report any obvious cases of identity theft and continue monitoring your credit history after the fact.
4. How Can I Protect My Credit Cards From These Thieves?
Credit Card fraud is usually the most recorded form of Identity theft out of all the recorded complaints to the United States Federal Trade Commission. The grand total of complaints is in excess of a billion dollars and it's a common theory that a lot more fraud goes on unreported.
Identity theft and credit card fraud are fast becoming the crimes most Americans are concerned about. Read more ....
If you're one of the many who are concerned then a good way to protect yourself would be to discuss your needs with an agency who specializes in identity theft prevention and offers insurances to back up their claims. There are many such organization's monitoring credit history, some are even monitoring information available on line.
Their main aim is to stop thieves destroying your lives by stealing your identity and ruining your credit history forever. There are various types of services available and costs vary.
Here are a few good tips anyone can follow, with or without the use of an agency.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately and cancel any that are inactive.
- If you applied for a credit card, or if a card expires and a new one doesn't arrive, immediately notify the provider.
- Make sure you sign your credit card immediately.
- Look for unauthorized charges on your credit card bills.
- Try electronic bills, statements, and checks instead of paper
- Shred personal and financial information before you throw them in the trash
- Keep your personal documentation and your bank and credit card records secure
- Try to limit the information that you carry with you in your wallet or purse.
- Do not give your Social Security number, credit card number, or any bank account details over the phone.
- Do not disclose your credit card, and other personal data on line unless the site is secure
- Before you discard your old computer, make sure all information is erased.
- Be aware of any persons that may be watching when you enter passwords or PIN numbers.
5. How Can Identity Theft Be Prevented?
The people at greatest risk of identity theft are those who do not dispose of, or are careless with, sensitive information like credit card numbers and social security numbers. So take some simple steps like these to keep your information more secure. Read more ....
- Don't leave things like birth certificates, bank account and credit card statements or driver's licenses where they can be seen by anyone entering your house or vehicle.
- Use the need to know principle, if someone doesn't need to know your Social Security number, or your driver's license number, or any other details, then don't give it to them. You should expect any employer, organization or individual whom you supply your details to respect your privacy.
- Whenever you dispose of sensitive documents, you should destroy them so they cannot be used to glean information from. Use a lock on your mailbox to ensure that only you, or someone you authorize by giving a key, can get access to mail. Junk mail that contains your details, like pre-approved credit cards, are a high risk and sought after by identity thieves.
- Protect yourself on line, threats are growing and range in issues like phishing to hidden code within social networking pages. If you have up to date antivirus, antispyware and a good firewall you're in good stead and not a soft kill for hackers. Also, don't forget to install all security updates for operating systems and applications. You should be very careful about forwarding your information across the web, especially when using wireless internet.
- Wireless Internet is another hot spot for identity theft, with very few users of wireless using encryption or other forms of security. Someone new to Wi-Fi may have no idea that people in close proximity can use their connection if it's not suitably protected. Some people don't care if others use their wireless internet.
Those that don't care probably should. There are lots of unsavory things a person can do using your internet. Many of them are illegal. If you allow such activities your facing the blame for on line fraud, or even copyright infringement if they host illegal movies using your bandwidth… which is traced back to you .
6. I Am Already A Victim, Now What?
Document Everything!
Take action immediately and report the crime to the fraud department of Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. When you notify one bureau, it should notify the other two for you, but I would notify all to be a hundred percent certain.
Placing a fraud alert will flag your credit file and all creditors should contact you in a way you designate before extending credit. Consider using a cell phone number as the contact method or perhaps an email if you regularly check your inbox. Read more ....
You can place an initial fraud alert for only 90 days. However, you can request that the fraud alert be extended to seven years. You will need to display evidence that someone is attempting to open fraudulent accounts in your name to be granted the seven year fraud alert and you may cancel it at any time you feel secure again.
You'll be assigned a unique case number which you must use in all correspondence and always use certified mail. Save everything and put it somewhere safe. You may even want to make backup copies (paper or electronic) of everything.
You're entitled to a free credit report and this can be obtained from the three major credit bureaus. Examine it very carefully and query anything that seems strange.
You may wish to discuss your options with a legal adviser or an organization who specializes in helping victims of identity theft. However, the key is fast action. The sooner you place the fraud alert the better.
Equifax: P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374- 0241.
Report fraud: Call (888) 766-0008
TDD: (800) 255-0056
Web: www.equifax.com
Experian: PO Box 9532
Allen TX, 75013
Report fraud: Call (888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
Web: www.experian.com/fraud/
TransUnion: P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790.
Report fraud: (800) 680-7289.
TDD: (877) 553-7803
E-mail (fraud victims only): fvad@transunion.com
Web: www.transunion.com
7. What are the Types of Identity Theft?
Financial Identity Theft.
The most common type of identity theft is where someone steals another person's credit card details, then uses them to purchase goods, services, utilities, etc. If the Identity thief gets enough information, they could do things like take out a loan, apply for a new credit card, create utility accounts, lease a car, or even lease an apartment under the victim's name. Sometimes the thief can buy a house, or even put the victim's home on the market. The bolder the identity theft is, the more damage that thief can cause. Read more ....
Criminal Identity Theft.
A person who steals identities for the sole purpose of using it for plotting and carrying out criminal activity. The most common type of this crime seems banal. Identity thieves carry a false driver's license to use when receiving violations like speeding.
Since September 11 2001, this has become a huge concern and much debate has been over whether changes to laws were enough or too much. Fake passports and driver's licenses can be used to start a new life or gain access to areas, or even countries, that criminals would normally not be able to.
Commercial Identity Theft.
A form of identity theft not often discussed. Businesses face risks with unauthorized personnel using another person's ID to gain access to a secure area or file. It seems like a tiny infringement but it is fraud. It could be that the employee is just trying to take a short cut and complete their work or they could be attempting to steal or copy information or material for resale to a competitor.
A thief may also pose as a manager, executive or director of a business, produce their own business cards and then try to make deals on behalf of the company.
Landlords face difficulties if a tenant poses as the owner and sells the landlord's furniture, sections of the house, or the house itself. With the rise in value of scrap metals, copper especially, houses are being ransacked for scrap.
