Identity theft - beware!

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It is helpful to check your credit report annually as well. You should request this information from all three credit agencies and verify that the information they give you is correct.

TransUnion (800) 888-4213

Experian (888) 397-3742

Equifax (800) 685-1111

Unfortunately, even with extra effort, identity theft can still happen. We trust total strangers with our personal information everyday – applying for a car loan or mortgage – writing a check – patient care at a hospital – even stamped on our children’s back pack! It would be ludicrous for us not to give out this information from time to time, but knowing where we give it out and to whom is helpful. The key to quick recovery from such a disaster is to notice it quickly and take immediate action.

Here’s what to do if you think you may be a victim of this crime:

• Contact the fraud department of all three credit agencies (listed above) and report your findings. Call your financial institutions or creditors for any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened and close these accounts.
• Report the identity theft to the police. Get a copy of the police report to give to your creditors for poof of the crime.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-ID-THEFT, (http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft_old/index.html).

Staying proactive and organized will pay off in the long run, for life in general and particularly in trying to avert identify theft. Keeping accurate accounting records, personal files and paper management is the key to a calmer, safer existence. If you find it difficult to do on your own, consider hiring a professional organizer who specializes in this expertise. Regardless of the stage of life you are in, get your affairs in order. You are a unique individual with your own identity. No one should be able to take that away from you!

Copyright© 2002, Barbara Hemphill. All right reserved. For information contact Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com.

Other useful links:

ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name