Identity theft is on the rise, in 2008 the cases of identity theft increased by 22%. Victims will spend anywhere from 3 to 6,000 hours trying to get their identity repaired. There are many forms of Identity Theft. Credit Card Fraud is using someone using your credit card to make purchases. Utility Fraud is starting a utility under someone else’s name, even their own child’s name. Bank Fraud includes stolen checks, changing amount on checks and ATM Passcode theft. Employment Fraud happens when someone uses your social security number when filling out paperwork for an employer. Loan Fraud is when someone takes out a loan in your name.
How do you prevent it? Don’t carry more than you need to in your purse or wallet. Review your credit score on a regular basis. Always look over your credit card statements. Shred credit card offers and anything that has sensitive information. Keep an account of all of your credit card numbers and bank account numbers in a safe protected place. Don’t give out more information than you need to give out. Purchase Identity Theft Protection from your insurance company, bank or credit card. The money you spend can be well worth it to help you restore your good name and have experts help you in a time of need.