You must have heard at least a few stories about people who have had their identities stolen and you have also probably witnessed friends and relatives who seem to be constantly shredding all kinds of piece of paper, everybody has. If you have never been a victim of identity theft yourself, let me first of all congratulate you for being so lucky. Secondly, let me guess your thoughts about this issue: no one with any sense would want to steal your what is uniquely yours because you are not rich or important enough, and shredding is an excessively paranoiac and wasteful activity. Are you surprised how accurately I was able to read your mind? Don't be. I was merely recollecting my own thoughts about identity theft, until I too was victimized.
It all happened approximately five years ago when the one and only credit card in my possession at the time was up for renewal. Two days before the actual expiration date, I called the issuing bank to enquire why I hadn't yet received the replacement card. They assured me that it had gone out a few weeks ago. After verifying my mailing addressed, they concluded that it must have gotten lost in the mail and promised to send another one within the next couple of days. An entire week went by and I received no replacement credit card and I was forced to do something I hadn't done in years, to carry cash in my wallet. I waited two or three more days before calling the bank again. As before, they assured me that the card had been sent out and that I should have received it by now. At my own request, I was transferred to a supervisor who suggested that I verify with someone in my own household as significant charges had been made to both replacement credit cards.
It turns out that the first replacement credit card that was sent to me was cancelled when I called to report that it hadn't arrived and the second one was cancelled whilst I was on the phone with the supervisor. However, during the few short days between the bank's issuing the cards and my having reported them missing, a complete computer station was ordered, a hefty down payment was made on a luxury car, a few sizable purchases were made in several department stores, a living room set complete with a large television was paid for and a cruise to the Bahamas was booked for four adults. The sum total debt accrued to the credit cards I never received amounted to over $87,000. Ouch! But, believe it or not, I consider myself fortunate. Because I have had a longstanding relationship with the bank in question and due to my immaculate credit report, they had been willing to put this debt on hold for the time being. In other words, they haven't forgiven it per se, but, five years later, it is still pending investigation.
I am not sure whether I will be eventually forced to pay this debt off or not, but I can tell you without a moment of hesitation that identity theft is not merely a sensational story. It can happen to you as it happened to me and I am by no means a person of importance or wealth of any kind.
Now why would they need my credit card or social security number to send me a freebie? Can you say, "identity theft?"
Although there are legitimate reasons for people to need that information, such as a purchase or job application, thieves need it to steal your life and money from you!
Crime officials are reporting that this kind of theft is becoming quite common. Don't be a victim! Follow a few common-sense suggestions to avoid finding out someone else has taken over your life-along with your bank account!
-Do not allow anyone to borrow your credit cards! Your best friend may be trustworthy, but her boyfriend may not be!
-Don't provide personal information such as date of birth, credit card numbers, your pin number, mom's maiden name, or social security number over the telephone unless you initiate the call. Don't leave mail lying around for strangers to pry into. How well do you really know your teen's friends?
-Destroy all bills, pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, and other financial information when you no longer need such items.
-Don't keep private information like pin numbers and such in your purse or wallet. It's just too risky. We humans are much too forgetful. Be honest, how many times have YOU had to return to a restaurant or friend's home to retrieve your purse? Is there anything in there that could harm you if it was stolen or lost? Time to check.
-Check your credit reports regularly. To order your report, call the three major credit bureaus at these toll-free numbers: Equifax at (800) 685-1111, Experian at (888) 397-3742, or Trans Union at (800) 888-4213. By law, the most you can be charged for a copy of your report is $8.50. To be safe, consider getting a copy from each of the three companies. If after reviewing your report you spot signs of a possible fraud, report it immediately!
-Keep your passwords and pins confidential and secure. Avoid passwords and pin numbers that will be easy for a thief to figure out. For example, don't use your name, street address or birth date. Also, change your passwords every once in awhile, just to be safe.
-Get Identity Theft Insurance! It's smart and inexpensive.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Report suspected Internet-based fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or the IFCC (www.ifccfbi.gov/Default.asp), a new joint project of the FBI and the National White Collar Crime.
Both Elliott Weynand & Kristi Sayles are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Kristi Sayles has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Computers and The Internet and Hyaluronic Acid. Want to know how I protect myself from identity theft?Want to know how you can too?Publisher: Internet Treasures Newsletter. Kristi Sayles's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.