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Identity Theft & The Internet

By: James Dimmitt

Credit Pacific Service Union LexisNexis, a provider of personal and financial data, recently reported that the personal information of as many as 310,000 people nationwide may have been stolen. This figure is nearly 10 times higher than the original figure disclosed last month by the company.

By Credit Health We've all heard of identity theft, but what does this term really mean Going far beyond credit card fraud, identity theft is a rapidly growing crime that most people will face at some point in their lives. Credit Health explains the different kinds of identity theft crimes common today and pinpoints new identity theft trends that are emerging.

Credit First Service Union ChoicePoint Inc., another consumer data collection service, stated 145,000 people in their database were possibly exposed to identity thieves earlier this year. At DSW Shoe Warehouse, officials acknowledged stolen credit information at 103 of its 175 stores nationwide. Hackers have also targeted databases at California State University as well as the University of California, San Diego.

Unused credit cards are putting millions of Brits at greater risk of falling victim to identity theft, according to a specialist credit history firm.

Card Credit Mobile Service Many consumers now fear that using the internet puts them at a higher risk of identity theft. However, surveys have shown that only 10 percent of known identity theft cases have resulted from online fraud. Dumpster diving along with phone scams account for far more ID theft than the internet.

Credit reporting and identity theft protection go hand in hand. Understanding these important, and at times most confusing, topics is essential to effective credit fraud and identity theft protection. The Privacy Matters Resources Center lets you quickly and easily find the credit and ID theft information you need. Just click on any of the following links to see an extensive library of resources on identity theft protection and credit reporting topics.

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Card Credit Discover Service In fact you can use the internet to help protect yourself from this crime in three unique ways:

    Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. After a fraud alert has been placed in your associates% credit file, any creditor using that credit file}to grant}new credit or an extension of credit in their name must contact them by telephone (using the phone number specified in the fraud alert) or take reasonable steps to verify their identity and confirm that the credit application is not the result of identity theft.} If someone else is trying to use your associates% identity to get credit, the fraud alert usually stops them cold.

  • approved credit card offers.

Credit Public Service Union 1) View your banking and credit accounts online.

While online banking may be a safer alternative to postal delivery, consumers still need to be vigilant about Internet Identity Theft. One of the reasons ID theft has grown so fast in America is the increasing demand for easy access to credit. But while trying to accommodate our endless demands, friendly creditors have also made it much easier for identity thieves to apply for credit by using our identities.

Card Credit Processing Service Almost all banks and credit card companies have secure web sites that allow you to view your statements and activity safely online. Secure sites are those that begin with https// or display a padlock icon on your computer screen.

Center Credit Service Union NEVER access a financial site through a link embedded in an e-mail message. E-mails with links asking you to verify or re-register your personal information are a sure sign of "phishing", a scam to collect your name and other identifying information to steal your identity.

Card Credit Service Wireless Instead, type the bank or creditor's website address into your browser. Check your accounts every two weeks. Verify that the credits and debits shown on the statements are valid. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank or creditor.

Credit Security Service Union 2) Monitor your credit report.

Credit Report Service The main reason for stealing your identity is to open new credit accounts to purchase good and services using your name and stolen identity. Chances are that you won't know you're an ID theft victim until you're denied credit or you receive bills for accounts you never opened.

Blogspot Com Christian If an ID thief has opened accounts in your name, they are most likely to appear on your credit report. There are three major credit reporting agencies; Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

Christian Counseling Credit New legislation allows you to obtain your credit report annually from all three of these agencies for free. This new program is being phased in gradually across the U.S.. Check www.annualcreditreport.com to see when your state becomes active in this program.

Credit Federal Service Union 3) Use credit monitoring services.

Credit Monitoring Service A variety of paid services are available that will monitor your credit reports for activity and alert you to any changes. As with any product or service, make sure you understand what you're getting before you buy. You can enjoy a free 30-day trial of CreditCheck® monitoring service and get a free copy of your Experian credit report by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com. This monitoring service checks your credit report daily to notify you about fraudulent activity, new inquiries, new accounts, late payments, and more so you can spot possible signs of identity theft. After the free 30-day trial, you will be billed $9.95 monthly unless you cancel the service.

Credit Division Service If you become a victim of ID theft, your opportunity for loans, jobs, or even housing could be affected. Taking immediate action after being victimized can minimize the damage.

Card Credit Online Service Here are some other helpful identity theft related sites:

Consumer Counseling Credit Inc http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ (US government ID theft website)
http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm (ID theft resources)
http://www.identitytheft.org/ (ID theft prevention and survival)

Card Credit Fleet Service

Card Consolidation Credit © 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt - James is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a free weekly newsletter with tips to help you manage your personal finances. Subscribe today and receive his e-book "IDENTITY THEFT- How To Avoid Becoming the Next Victim!" and other free bonuses by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com



Source: http:// www.isnare.com

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