There have been an estimated 9.9 million victims on America and over 40% of all consumer complaints in the U.S. involve identity theft. About half of the victims do not know how the thief obtained their personal information. The Boston Globe and Newsweek have both covered Identity theft this month telling us how important it is for us to educate ourselves on preventing and protecting ourselves from this type of robbery. Identity theft can happen anytime, anywhere and to anyone, individuals or businesses. Everyone must be educated and aware so it can be avoided. Michael Blanchard, US Postal Inspector says postal money orders and business or certified checks are one way you can be at risk. Most identity theft involves the U.S. Mail which is why the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is a lead agency in investigating Identity Theft. Identity Theft is a criminal offense.
What can I do if I am already a victim of ID theft?
? Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus, to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
? Close all accounts that have been affected and request copies of fraud-dispute forms and complete and return immediately. Keep copies!
? File a police report in each jurisdiction the theft occurred
? Send copies of the report to your creditors or anyone that requires proof of the crime
? File a complaint with the FTC (800-IDTHEFT or www.consumer.gov/idtheft) and Post Office
? Contact the Identity Theft Resource center at 858-693-7935 or www.idtheftcenter.org
? Request a new driver's license from the state of motor vehicles and have a fraud report attached to your driving record.
? Notify check-verification firms about any fraudulent checks:
International check service 800-526-5380
Telecheck 800-927-0755
Certegy Check Services 800-437-5120
? Call 1-888-CALL-FCC and file a complaint.
? Change your passwords and PIN immediately.
Michelle Dunn has over 17 years experience in credit and debt collection. She is the founder of Never Dunn Publishing, LLC, is a writer, consultant and the Editorial Advisor for Eli Financial Debt Collection Compliance Alert Newsletter. Michelle started M.A.D. Collection Agency and ran is successfully for 7 years. She owns and runs Credit & Collections.com a free online community for credit and business professionals.
She has written 5 books in her Collecting Money Series and is currently writing a book for the Streetwise Series, part of the Adams Media Corporation. For more information on Michelle's services or to order any of her books please email her at michelle@michelledunn.com or visit michelle@michelledunn.com & michelle@michelledunn.com
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carConfused about whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA?... Read More
To save on food, be an opportunist. Buy what you... Read More
We all know that money doesn't grow on trees, but... Read More
For months, we were trigger-swipe happy, putting our groceries, clothes,... Read More
There is a new bill that is being passes, it... Read More
Did you have a piggy bank when you were a... Read More
Today I passed a thermometer at a bank that read... Read More
Recently, many of these loyalty rewards programs have come to... Read More
One of the biggest challenges facing black RELATIONSHIPS today are... Read More
It is possible to eat a healthy, balanced diet without... Read More
Identity theft is a serious crime that continues to grow.... Read More
Does it feel like you have to be Sherlock Holmes... Read More
I have to admit, I do it too. I complain.... Read More
Saving for a Down Payment is hard work, so it's... Read More
The Check 21 Law is the new federal law for... Read More
As the saying goes: "Buyer Beware". If you see ads... Read More
If you are the normal consumer, then you've probably experienced... Read More
Traditional checks probably won't disappear anytime soon, but processing checks... Read More
If you, like most people, have not seriously considered what... Read More
One universal of humanity, no matter who you are or... Read More
An avid cyclist and bike racing fan, I sit transfixed... Read More
The British government at the beginning of this year officially... Read More
One of the simplest ways to improve your professional image... Read More
The Prudential has dubbed those who refuse to leave home... Read More
The lists of bank and savings accounts that are available... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Women have a love/hate relationship with money. Most of us... Read More
Ever wonder where address labels come from? Avery? is perhaps... Read More
The lists of bank and savings accounts that are available... Read More
Have you seen the recent article on a new "green"... Read More
Ben Stein has a book called How to Ruin Your... Read More
So, you've made the decision to apply for a credit... Read More
The Prudential has dubbed those who refuse to leave home... Read More
During the last twenty years, banks have offered a number... Read More
What is finance and what do you need to know?... Read More
Investing is a subject a lot of people don't want... Read More
If you, like most people, have not seriously considered what... Read More
We have heard a lot about consumers' personal information getting... Read More
The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued... Read More
Today I passed a thermometer at a bank that read... Read More
If you recently became a single parent and see your... Read More
The Check 21 Law is the new federal law for... Read More
Six Scholarship judges were sitting around an oval table. Forms... Read More
Recent findings from the Educational Policy Institute indicated that the... Read More
The recommendations for military base closings have been released and... Read More
Saving may seem easier if you were saving for a... Read More
Single Mother's in need of Financial GuidanceBudgeting is key to... Read More
Sticking to a budget can be difficult, but with so... Read More
One of the biggest challenges facing black RELATIONSHIPS today are... Read More
Finding a stable and secure income that will come year... Read More
Your food budget is the most flexible area of your... Read More
Personal Finance |