Id Theft What Is This And How Do I Protect Myself

MRR and PLR Articles Pack

Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Finance -> subcategory Personal Finance.

AI Generated Image

Understanding Identity Theft and How to Protect Yourself


Summary

Learn how to safeguard yourself against identity theft and discover the steps to take if you suspect your identity has been compromised.

Keywords:

Identity theft, ID theft, protect identity, identity protection, stolen identity

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses another person's personal information?"such as a social security number, driver's license, name, or address?"without their knowledge to commit fraud or theft.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?


Identity thieves may obtain your information by:
- Digging through your trash
- Hacking into your computer
- Accessing your credit report
- Stealing your credit or debit card numbers
- Intercepting your mail
- Redirecting your mail by submitting a change of address form
- Stealing your purse or wallet
- Posing as a legitimate business to scam you

Signs You Might Be a Victim


You could be a victim of identity theft if:
- You receive credit card statements for accounts you didn’t open
- You stop receiving your mail
- Your credit applications are unexpectedly denied
- Counterfeit checks are drawn from your bank account
- Collection agencies contact you about unfamiliar debts

Steps to Take If You Suspect Identity Theft


Check Your Credit Reports

Order copies of your credit reports from all three major agencies to identify any suspicious activity:
- Equifax: [www.equifax.com](http://www.equifax.com) | 1-800-685-1111
- Experian: [www.experian.com](http://www.experian.com) | 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: [www.transunion.com](http://www.transunion.com) | 1-800-916-8800

What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen

1. Contact Credit Reporting Agencies:
- Request a fraud alert and add a victim statement to your file.
- Contact:
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, P.O. Box 74021, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742, P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

2. Close Compromised Accounts:
- Contact your bank and creditors to inform them of the theft and close affected accounts. Consider opening new accounts.

3. Handle Stolen Checks:
- Ask your bank to notify their check verification company, and contact major verification companies:
- Telecheck: 1-800-710-9898 or 1-800-927-0188
- Certegy Inc.: 1-800-437-5120
- International Check Services: 1-800-631-9656

4. Scan Check Verification:
- Contact Scan at 1-800-262-7771 to check if your checks are being misused.

5. Report to Authorities:
- Report the theft to your local police department.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at [www.consumer.gov/idtheft](http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft).

By staying vigilant and taking prompt action, you can protect yourself from the serious consequences of identity theft.

You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Id Theft What Is This And How Do I Protect Myself .

You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.

“MRR and PLR Article Pack Is Ready For You To Have Your Very Own Article Selling Business. All articles in this pack come with MRR (Master Resale Rights) and PLR (Private Label Rights). Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.”