Identity Theft

Feel Safe Knowing Thieves Can't Ruin Your Credit Score

In 2007, the FTC claims 8.3 million Americans were the victims of identity theft. You're at risk every time you hand a waiter or waitress your credit card, throw away bank statements or pull out your credit or debit card while paying for an item. There are dozens of ways people can get your personal information. Sadly, the laws are still lax and it's up to you to protect yourself from identity theft.

You're at a job interview and your potential employer requests your social security number in order to perform a background check. This is a reasonable request, but many people fear handing out their personal information due to the increased risk of identity theft. However, to land a job, your social security number must be given over.

Maybe you are standing in line at the bank and the teller announces she needs your social security number before withdrawing money from your account. Either way, you never know who is watching or listening to your conversation. These simple, daily transactions can put you at risk for identity theft.

Benefits to Using a Credit Monitoring Service

Everyone is at risk for identity theft. With the advent of cell phone cameras, thieves standing in line behind you can take snapshots of your credit or debit cards while you are waiting in line or paying at a counter. They can videotape you at an ATM or in line at your bank. Have you been to a bank's drive-thru and had a teller ask for your account number over the loud speaker? That's a great way for thieves to get hold of your account information.

With a credit monitoring service, your personal information is automatically placed under a fraud alert so that additional information must be provided by anyone claiming they are you before a credit card transaction or loan is approved. This is something that should be happening with every transaction, but, sadly, it does not unless you request it.

Read Up at the FTC's Identity Theft Website

The Federal Trade Commission has dedicated a great deal of resources to deterring identity theft. Their motto is "Deter, Detect, Defend". You can learn more by spending a little more time on their website. Learn more about the various credit monitoring services. Find out how to request a free credit report from one of the major credit monitoring services. They even have an informative video to assist you in making wise decisions to protect your identity and your hard earned credit rating.