According to internetworldstats.com over 2,095,006,005 are on the internet worldwide. It’s no surprise that a majority of people’s lives are revolved around technology; computers, smart phones and tablets are designed to make managing life, simpler. There are countless benefits from technology personally and professionally however, each time we utilize our technologies we are making ourselves more vulnerable to becoming a victim of Identity theft. Even if we took every preventable measure to deter internet crimes, with the advancement of internet crimes we are still susceptible to some genus of internet crime.
Did you know that one in eight people have been a victim of identity theft? This comes to no surprise since many online users have increased online transaction habits. Consequently, each time we utilize technology for any type of exchange the technology is automatically configured to collect information about the user and conceal the files deep inside its hard drive. Furthermore, an assortment of files such as cache, browsing history and temporary files can be used to reconstruct our online footsteps. Whether or not we allow these files to store information these contain passwords, user names, names, address and most significantly, credit card numbers.
What would you do if you found your personal information compromised? Would you know what your rights were? Most of us don’t. Dealing with credit card companies, creditors, debt collectors, merchants consequently, limiting ones financial lose can be frustrating and stressful. We’ve narrowed down the most important steps to follow after discovering your identity has been stolen and included resources to assist in alleviating the stress identity theft can cause.
First of all, move swiftly and keep a record with of conversations and a copy of all correspondences. Additionally, follow the instructions below to ensure that your financial accounts are secure from any further intrusion.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit cards, credit reports and review previous credit report. Fraud alerts can prevent thieves from opening credit cards in your names. You can call one of these three lines to which will place an alert on your report. If you do not receive a confirmation from one of these three companies contact your credit provider directly to place a fraud alerts.
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or at www.transunion.com
Equifax: 1-800-525 6285; www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-Experian or at www.experian.com
Once you have placed a fraud alert onto your computer you are entitled to for a free copy of your credit report. Once you have received a copy of your Credit Report review them diligently and look for any unrecognizable transactions, companies, accounts and unpaid credit. Additionally, review your personal information such as social security number, address, e-mail name of initial and place of employment are correct. If you identify any inaccurate information on your credit report write to your credit provider and include any documents to support your claim(s). Learn more about reporting credit report errors here:www.transunion.com. Furthermore, continue to periodically check your banking and credit statement for any unusual activity.
2. Close all compromised accounts. Speak to someone in the security department or Fraud department of the credit card provider. Additionally, write a letter with copies of any supporting documents. It is important to contact your credit card and bank provider in writing. Send the letters by Certified mail with a return receipt. This is so you can have proof that your institution received your letter.
If you decide to open new accounts, choose new Pin numbers and passwords. If the thief has made any changes to any of your accounts ask your financial provider for forms that will dispute the charges.
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can file a complaint with the FTC here: http://1.usa.gov/k16iv or you can call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write to Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Utilize the Hotline to update your complaint or if you have any additional information or problems.
4. File a report with your community police department. Call ahead of time and ask your local police department if you need to place the compliant online or in person. It is important to obtain a copy of a police report, if the police refuses to the report ask the officer if you file a miscellaneous incident report instead. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone number or check www.naag.org for a list of state Attorneys General
To learn more about ways to deter the financial infliction of identity theft visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity theft website http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm
Sources:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.shtm
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