| Identity Theft Tips
As a rule of thumb, it is essential that you shred or pulverize all documents containing any personal information. In fact, legislators recently passed a law mandating all employers to shred or pulverize employee files for disposal. Scams target individuals of all ages using various methods of deception. In a media release by the Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach, Florida Clerk of Courts, identity thieves were targeting potential jurors. Scammers, telephoned individuals identifying themselves as court employees claiming a warrant was issued for their arrest for failure to report for jury duty. Obviously, the recipient of the call becomes startled and the caller then asks for personal information claiming they will void the warrant. This is one of many examples of a telephone scam. Many professionals including myself recommend that you peruse you credit report annually for any unknown accounts. However, if an unknown account is on your credit report you already are a victim. As a proactive measure, I recommend you have a licensed private investigator perform a background check on yourself. In most cases identity theft is performed by a professional, and he or she will start to alter your background, specifically your address profile. Once this is accomplished, the scammer, utilizing your personal information will open various credit accounts over a period of time at the new address linked to you in your background report. In summery, do not give out your personal information to anyone in question and dispose of all document properly.
If you suspect your identity has been stolen or you are a victim:
You should place an initial alert on your credit report. An initial alert stays on your credit report for 90 days. As an example, an initial fraud alert is recommended if your wallet has been stolen or you believe you may be the victim of a scam. If you are a victim of identity theft an extended fraud alert should be placed on your credit report. An extended alert stays on your credit report for seven years and the consumer reporting agency will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years.
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
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Identity theft is the fastest growing white-collar crime in the United States. Anyone can become a victim of identity theft through no fault of his or her own. However, by taking a proactive approach to protect your personal information will most certainly minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Generally, identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to commit a criminal act of fraud. Your personal information can be obtained through improper disposal of mail, employment documents, computer hacking and numerous scams. 