Identity Theft Protection -
As time goes by, and more and more people become victims of identity theft whether from phone scams, credit card theft or online fraud, more and more stories inundate print, television and cyberspace about these victims. Reading an identity theft testimony of one of these victims can be a bit hard – they will sound just like you. You will hope for a sure fire difference (such as lack of education) but victims of identity theft come from all of the strata of society.
How Many?
According to the Presidential Taskforce on Identity Theft, there are about 10 million Americans who fall victim to identity theft every year. The average time to clear up the mess is six months – ONLY if the victim tries to get help within six months of the identity being stolen. Meanwhile, you have to deal with your creditors, debt collectors and police paperwork. Identity theft is serious business. In America alone, identity thieves get $50 billion a year, so they have a huge incentive to keep on stealing.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Keep track of all of your monthly back statements, annual credit reports or credit card accounts. If you have online stock trading accounts, or PayPal, keep an eye on it carefully. Any strange transactions signal that your personal data has somehow been stolen. Congratulations. You have just joined the ranks of victims and can soon five your own identity theft testimony to the police.
If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, please:
Contact your creditors to freeze your accounts and but a security alert on your reports
Contact all three agencies that give free credit reports – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion and give them your identity theft testimony.
Contact the police and fill out all the forms they give you. This will help you later on if the identity thief is found and can be successfully prosecuted.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission toll fee at 1-877-FTC-HELP (i-877-383-4357
Unplug your computer from the internet until everyone has been contacted.
The FTC’s Identity Theft Testimony
The Federal Trade Commission is really concerned about helping anyone with a identity theft testimony. Remember, those in the FTC can be victims of identity theft, too! In 2002, the FTC put out a report on identity theft called “Testimony on Identity Theft” which informed Congress and the general public that they are working with credit agencies to better help victims regain their identities.
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- The Rise In Complaints Of Identity Theft Against Children - Identity Fraud - Studies done by the Federal Trade Commission have shown identity theft against children to be the fastest growing sector reporting complaints of identity theft. In many cases the children can’t even trust their parents to protect them because sadly family members commit the majority of child identity thefts. The government needs to step ...
- How to Report Identity Theft - protection against identity theft - Identity theft is a huge problem in our society today. This is a problem that is growing every year and it can have the effect of nearly destroying people’s lives. If a person is affected by this problem they need to know how to report identity theft. Also, ...
