Identity Theft Woes

August 19, 2008 by idhelper

• It is estimated that about 750,000 Americans have their identities stolen every year.

• In the past 5 years, there have been 30 million identity thefts.

• 38-48% of identity theft victims discover what has happened within the first 3 months.

• Another 9-18% take 4 years or longer to find it.

Even though these are alarming statistics, there are ways to protect yourself from this sort of thing:

• Opt for online statements rather than traditional paper statements. This will diminish the hassle of shredding each document. And even after you shred it, thieves can still get a hold of it.

• Keep a constant eye on your statements (checking accounts and credit cards). Make sure you know exactly where you are shopping and what you are spending so that you can see any irregularities. You can even set up alerts on your account to let you know of any large purchases or withdrawals.

• Check your mail quickly. Don't leave your mail in the mailbox for a few days. Thieves will snag statements and credit card offers right from your mailbox. Also, avoid mailing checks from your home address. Try using the post office or another secure location.

• Do not keep your social security number in your wallet. Keep it in a safer place. With your social security number, they can get loans, credit cards, and accounts.

• Check your free credit report once a year. Make sure everything is as it should be. If you notice something unusual, make sure to contact the credit agency and any relevant government agencies

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