How To Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

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+<h1>Protect Yourself From Identity Theft</h1>
+<p>by Lomit Patel</p>
+<p> </p>
+<p>Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the<span id=
+"lw_1181864439_1" style=
+"cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">United States</span>. More
+than 100 million United States residents have had personal information stolen
+since early 2005, according to a Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) survey.</p>
+<p>While not all data breaches result in<span id="lw_1181864439_2" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">identity
+theft</span>, approximately ten million people fall victim to identity thieves
+every year. In 2007, identity theft will continue to grow unless consumers
+become more aware and proactive.</p>
+<p>The good news is that there are many things you can do protect your identity
+in the<span id="lw_1181864439_3" style=
+"cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">New Year</span>. Making and
+keeping our recommended resolutions will help ensure that 2007 will be a
+fraud-free year for you.</p>
+<p><strong>Resolution #1: Educate Yourself</strong></p>
+<p>While most people know the basic rules for protecting their physical
+well-being and possessions, too many do not know the basics of protecting their
+identity.</p>
+<p>Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses your personal information-such as
+your name,<span id="lw_1181864439_5" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">Social
+Security number</span>, bank account number-to commit fraud. With stolen
+information, identity thieves can obtain credit cards, utilities services,
+loans, medical services, and even jobs.</p>
+<p>Identity thieves use many methods, including:</p>
+<p>• dumpster diving<br>
+• stealing wallets<br>
+• posing as legitimate companies in e-mails and on phone calls to entice you
+into sharing sensitive data<br>
+• hacking into corporate databases</p>
+<p>A thief can steal your identity with as little information as your name
+and<span id="lw_1181864439_6" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">social
+security number</span>. Once you've been victimized, it can take years to
+restore your credit and name.</p>
+<p>However, if you know what to look for and how it happens, you can detect
+identity theft before it happens, minimizing losses.</p>
+<p>To find out if your personal information has been compromised, conduct a
+search on StolenID Search, a free service that scans more than two million
+pieces of compromised personal information. Your search results will tell you
+if your credit card, driver's license,<span id="lw_1181864439_7" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">Social
+Security</span>, or bank account numbers have been used inappropriately.</p>
+<p><strong>Resolution #2: Check Your Credit</strong></p>
+<p>Checking your<span id="lw_1181864439_8" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">credit
+report</span>regularly is the best way to detect new, unauthorized account
+activity. Resolve to keep an up-to-date watch on your credit throughout the
+year and report any suspicious activity as soon as you see it.</p>
+<p>The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide
+consumer reporting companies --<span id="lw_1181864439_9" style=
+"cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">Equifax</span>, Experian, and
+TransUnion -- to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every
+12 months.</p>
+<p>Since your credit report impacts everything from loans to job offers, take
+advantage of this opportunity to make sure your report is accurate.</p>
+<p><strong>Resolution #3: Exercise Your Right to Opt-Out</strong></p>
+<p><strong>A significant amount of stolen personal information comes from
+"pre-approved" credit and insurance offers. Thieves often steal these
+applications to apply for credit in your name.</strong></p>
+<p><strong>Exercise your right to "opt-out" of receiving these offers by
+calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT or opting out online at</strong><a href=
+"http://www.optoutprescreen.com/"><font color=
+"#0F55C3"><strong>http://www.optoutprescreen.com/</strong></font></a><strong>.</strong></p>
+<p><strong>Resolution #4: Transact Safely</strong></p>
+<p><span id="lw_1181864439_10" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">
+Identity theft</span>is often associated with online buying and unsecured Web
+sites that compromise your personal information. Even if shopping sites are
+secure, Web sites often leave personal information and financial data on a
+computer's hard drive after a purchase is made.</p>
+<p>Viruses and spyware -- software that covertly gathers your information over
+the Internet connection without your knowledge -- can be used to steal
+passwords and account numbers from your computer.</p>
+<p>Safeguard your online transactions by following these simple tips:</p>
+<p>• Protect your computer with essential security software, including a
+software firewall and antivirus protection.</p>
+<p>• Enable your browser's privacy settings.</p>
+<p>• Never give out your personal information in response to an e-mail, a Web
+site you've come to through an external link, or a pop-up screen.</p>
+<p>• Don't get pressured into providing personal information. Online scams
+often use scare tactics, and may threaten to disable an account until you
+update your account information. Be sure to contact the organization directly
+to confirm the authenticity of their request.</p>
+<p><strong>Resolution #5: Invest in Proactive Protection</strong></p>
+<p>The best way to avoid<span id="lw_1181864439_11" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">identity
+theft</span>is to stop it before it happens. Adding a "Credit Freeze" or "Fraud
+Alert" on your<span id="lw_1181864439_12" style=
+"background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed">credit
+report</span>at the three major credit bureaus can help you avoid identity
+theft.</p>
+<p>This stops identity thieves in their tracks by locking your credit down and
+preventing lenders from offering new credit in your name unless they verify
+your identity via phone or e-mail.</p>
+<p>By knowing the basics of identity theft, you can go a long way towards
+fighting fraud. However, no matter how good your knowledge, maximum benefits
+will only be achieved if you make prevention a life-long habit.</p>