Several of our insurance companies include identity theft coverage within their homeowners policies at no extra cost! Please call our office for a quote that includes this important coverage.
Tips on Preventing Identity Theft
Do not carry your social security card, instead memorize the number and keep the card in a safe place.
Request password protection on your credit card and bank accounts.
Check your credit report for free every 12 months with annualcreditreport.com.
Stop dangerous junk mail by opting out of pre-approved credit offers by calling 1-888-567-8688 and shred any offers that have your personal information on them including your home address.
If you become a victim of identity theft:
We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. Make a copy of everything in your wallet or purse and keep one copy at home or your safe deposit box.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where the items were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent and is a step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they should contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
The telephone numbers to the Credit Reporting Agencies are as follows:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
As a final step, use the Federal Trade Commissions’s fraud affidavit at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ and give it to any business whom you have dealt with.
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