| Identity theft is a growing problem for millions of | | | | inside so that thieves cannot get a hold of it. |
| Americans. Over nine million people are affected | | | | If you have lost a credit card, report it |
| by identity theft each year. If you are a victim, it | | | | immediately. This way, a block can be put on the |
| can be life changing. However, there are a variety | | | | account or if need be, it can be closed completely |
| of things you can do to both prevent identity | | | | and a new number can be issued. As well, if you |
| theft and get your life back on track should you | | | | have requested a new credit and have not |
| become a victim. | | | | received it in a timely manner, be sure to contact |
| One of the most important steps in avoiding | | | | the company to let them know. Once you |
| identity theft is to review your consumer credit | | | | received your credit card, be sure to sign it |
| reports each year. You can contact the three | | | | immediately. |
| main credit bureaus and request copies of your | | | | Should you suspect you have been a victim of |
| credit history. This will give you an accurate idea | | | | identity theft, you will need to take some |
| of any open credit you have, as well as any | | | | immediate steps. Contact the credit bureaus and |
| major purchases made using your credit. It will | | | | have a fraud alert placed on your credit. Next, |
| also give you a view of how many times your | | | | you will want to contact all of your creditors and |
| credit report has been pulled. | | | | banks, both by phone and in writing and report |
| Anytime you have documents with personal | | | | the crime. Be sure to record the names and |
| information, you will want to shred them, versus | | | | phone numbers of each person you have talked |
| simply throwing them in the trash. You can | | | | with and discussed your case with, as well as the |
| purchase a shredder fairly cheaply. Be sure to | | | | date and time of that discussion. |
| purchase one that cross shreds, so that your | | | | You will also want to file a complaint with the |
| documents cannot be pieced back together. | | | | Federal Trade Commission. They have counselors |
| You can also take your mail directly to the US | | | | than can help you in resolving any issues you may |
| Postal mailbox, versus placing your mail in your | | | | have. They can help you get your life back under |
| house mailbox. This helps avoid criminals being able | | | | control and help you move forward. |
| to snatch your bills or other personal information | | | | Identity theft is an increasing problem that affects |
| you are sending through the mail. | | | | millions of Americans. There are a variety of |
| If you are going away for any period of time, | | | | different steps you can take to help avoid identity |
| you will want to make sure that you completely | | | | theft. Likewise, should you become a victim of |
| stop your mail. You can request that the post | | | | identity theft, there are steps you can take to |
| office hold your mail until you return. Likewise, you | | | | get your life back on track and regain control of |
| do not want to leave any mail in your mailbox | | | | your financial situation. |
| over night. As soon as your mail comes, bring it | | | | |