Can You Protect Yourself?
Identity theft is something we're all afraid of and something that no one, no matter how hard you try, is exempt from experiencing. Identity thieves are so resourceful. It seems that they could be highly successful entrepreneurs if they would spend the same amount of energy in accomplishing something honest.
Identity Theft, simply defined is when someone pretends to be you, using your name, your credit, your bank account or information to purchase items or receive services. Most people have no idea that this is happening to them until an unexpected bill is received or they discover that their credit score is totally destroyed. It is one of the fastest growing crimes and its victims are worldwide. Not only can it be financially devastating, but can consume large amounts of time as victims try to get their credit repaired and their life back to normal. There have even been instances when innocent people have been arrested because identity thieves are doing illegal acts using their victim's name.
Can you protect yourself from identity theft?
Probably not 100%, but there are definitely things you can do to limit your exposure:
-
When those credit card offers come in the mail, totally destroy them as much as possible - shredding is a great option.
-
Don't leave mail sitting in your mail box, it's an easy target for identity thieves.
-
Check your bank account frequently to monitor activity that may not belong to you.
-
Keep important documents, such as your passport or birth certificate locked up. Don't carry them around with you.
-
Check your credit report frequently to monitor any unknown changes such as credit cards you didn't order or unsolicited credit inquiries. -
Each month when your credit card bill arrives, check it over carefully to make sure you recognize all of the charges.
-
Don't reply to any email or phone call, official as it may seem, that asks for you to verify vital information or passwords. The companies you actually do business with would never do that.
Don't be a target, protect yourself and your information as much as possible.
Call us to ask how Allstate's Identity Theft Coverage can help you.
