Identity TheftIdentity theft is one of the leading crimes today that is affecting millions of individuals. Having gone through it all as a victim and survivor of identity theft, I would like to share my experience and hopefully help you avoid becoming the victim of this terrible crime. I have battled it for seven years and I am still in the struggling to restore my identity. However, after dealing with government officials, police agencies, Social Security Administration and others, I have made little wave in restoring my life. Recently, I tried to apply for a new social security number and after speaking with the government, they let me know that this is of little use. Because the thief has my identity he/she will also have access to my new social security number that I get. So you see how tough it is. Identity theft is the worst crime you can commit against a person beside murder or rape. In today's financial world, a person's credit image is all he or she has to survive. When your identity is robbed, your access to credit facility will be in jeopardy. Furthermore, when your identity is robbed of you, it is difficult to find someone that will rent to you, or else extend you credit under any circumstances. When you call the three major credit bureaus that will ask you to send in your previous utility bills or rental receipts along with other information before you can even get your credit reports. The procedures of recovery your life is hell. Identity theft prevention means the avoidance of personal information disclosure. Avoid disclosing personal particulars over the telephone and internet unless you are certain about its security. When ordering with credit cards or paying bills online make sure the site is secure before giving any information. Secure site or pages usually has the " s" in the "http//" making it "https//". Avoid disclosing at all cost when you don't see this. With the ATM, you make sure no one is looking when you type in your PIN number. When making purchases at gas stations, grocery stores or anywhere where you will use your credit card make sure that your PIN number is never seen by anyone. If you make purchases with credit cards be sure to keep the receipt and look it over thoroughly to make sure you are not charged for more than the purchase price. And never throw your letters or receipts in the garbage. And shred with the mail containing personal information. Request copies of your credit report randomly and should you find fraudulent debt on the reports, dispute the charges quickly. Let your credit bureau report holders know that someone may have access to your identity. If you suspect this is true, ask the credit bureaus to place a FREEZE on your account verses a FRAUD ALERT. A FREEZE will block in outgoing or incoming information and protect you against negative points on your credit report. I can't stress enough to hide your credit cards, social security number, driver license and other valuable information in a safe place where only you are capable of finding the information as needed. If you go through the drive thru at your local bank, pharmacy or other services few times the people will ask for your social security number and date of birth, thus ask them to send you a paper so that you can write the information down, rather than tell them through the speaker. In conclusion, if anyone regardless if you know the source asks for your social security number on the phone lines, do not give them to them, rather ask that they send you a form to fill out so that you can provide the information needed after a background check of their service is conducted. Guard your self at all cost and do not become the next victim of identity theft. |
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