Stop Identity Theft

Welcome to Stop Identity Theft

Identity Preventing Theft Article

Has Someone Stolen Your Identity? Here Are 8 Ways to Tell By Howard Goff Right now, someone could be using your identity to start a new credit card, to get a loan, to drain your checking or savings account. In some cases, you might not find out about the theft for weeks, sometimes even months. Unfortunately, the longer it takes to discover the crime, the more damage will be done and the harder it will be to rectify that damage. Thankfully, there are some ways for you to detect identity theft before the problems progress too far. Below are some of those methods. 1. Errors on your credit report – By checking your credit report yearly, you'll be able to determine if anyone is opening up accounts in your name without your permission. Otherwise, you may not learn there is a problem until you need to take out credit. 2. Mail problems – One of the least-technological ways to commit identity theft is stealing mail. If you aren't receiving mail or if you aren't getting items in the mail that you are expecting, such as credit card bills, then you may be a victim of identity theft. 3. Being rejected for credit you didn't request – As you may already know, if a creditor rejects your request for credit, he or she must send you a letter in the mail explaining the reason for the rejection. If you begin getting these letters, but you haven't been requesting credit, then that's a good sign someone is using your identity. 4. Being the victim of pretexting – Pretexting is a scheme involving the Internet or the telephone. Someone contacts you claiming to be a legitimate organization's representative, then they'll ask for your personal information, possibly a PIN number or a checking account number. If that has happened to you and you've given out that information, then there's a good chance you'll be a victim in the near future. 5. Changes in your credit balances or checking account amounts – Unexplained changes in any of your financial accounts should be a big signal to you that something is not right. That's why it's a good idea to check all of your balances weekly and compare them to your estimates. As soon as you spot a discrepancy, you need to follow up with your financial institution. 6. Being denied credit – Sadly, some people don't discover they have been identity theft victims until they go to buy a car, get a second mortgage, or open a new credit card. If you thought you had good credit but are getting denied, then it's a good time to check your credit reports, even if you've already done your yearly check. 7. Being contacted by debt collectors – When you start getting calls or letters about unpaid debts, which you don't recall having, you should never automatically pay them. Instead, send a written request for more information about the debt. By law, the creditor must supply you with this information. 8. Having some types of spyware on your computer – While not all spyware leads to identity theft, you need to realize that it can pose a serious threat to your privacy. Your passwords, credit card information, and online activities could have been monitored by unknown third parties, which leave you vulnerable to an attack. About the Author: Author Howard Goff teaches you how to reduce your risk of becoming an Identity Theft victim in his e-Book "Identity Theft, A Resource Guide". This article is just part of the incredible content contained in this 50-page gold mine of information. Get your free copy of this guide today at: Identity Theft. Howard Goff has 3 years of specialized experience in the security industry and has been involved in the internet for over 15 years. He founded http://www.PCSecurityNews.com in early 2003 where his company has offered advice and security products to hundreds of thousands of people. Visitors to this website have access to an extensive FAQ and free Spyware Removal.

Layne: Preventing ID theft is the best way to handle fraud

CHARLES TOWN - The most important thing people can do to protect themselves from identity theft is to obtain their credit reports regularly, Argina Layne told the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum at its recent meeting.

Identity theft-tax fraud crackdown sweeps across the nation

Some 200 actions taken in past week in 23 states including PA

Tips for preventing ID theft

Credit reports are good, but they're not the only thing that can tip you off to identity fraud.  According to Consumer Reports, there are four other reports you can check every year free of charge. First, your Lexis-Nexis file.  This includes a public records search, reports on auto and homeowner claims, pre-employment background checks, even a criminal record history. You can also check your ...

Identity Theft Crackdown Sweeps Across the Nation

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department today announced the results of a massive national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft.

Consumer Reports: Beware Of Identity-Theft-Protection Offers

Follow CT Lifestyle & Entertainment News On The Courant's Features Buzz Facebook Page Almost 50 million people subscribed to some form of identity-theft protection in 2010, according to Consumer Reports Money Adviser. Those services, which cost about $120 to $300 a year, promise to protect your ID by monitoring your credit reports 24/7, scouring "black-market chat rooms" for your personal ...