What Is Identity Theft? Preventing Your Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that has become increasingly popular over the years. Unfortunately, it’s not only criminals that are becoming victims of identity theft. Even good people can become victims of identity theft. So how do you protect yourself from identity theft? What is identity theft and how do you prevent it?

First of all, what is identity theft? It is the act of using your personal information in one way or another to obtain financial benefits in your name. Usually, this includes opening up new credit in your name. If a new credit card company puts your name on their books, you can be the new victim of extended fraud alert. This may not be your fault, but it may not be your partner’s fault either.

There are many ways that your account could be a victim of fraud. You might be the victim of identity theft by opening up new accounts in your name, taking out old loans and credit cards, and changing your address. Of course, this would all be occurring without you knowing about it. Extended fraud alert is a system that banks and other financial institutions use to let customers know if someone has accessed their accounts in their name. You can also sign up for alerts through credit reporting agencies such as Equifax and Experian. You will get an email notification every time someone requests a change in your profile.

Identity theft is a serious crime. However, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent being the next victim. Pay careful attention to suspicious accounts in your credit report. Report any account you find that is not your accounts. If you find yourself being accused of identity theft, you should immediately notify the credit bureaus so that they can investigate your account.

You will want to keep track of all your financial accounts. If you notice suspicious activity on one or two of them, immediately alert the company so that they can investigate the situation. You should also notify the Better Business Bureau immediately, as this is where identity theft is reported most often. Staying informed about your financial health is the best way to protect yourself from becoming the next victim.

Credit reports can also help you protect yourself from becoming the next victim. Identity theft occurs when thieves steal your information and use it to make purchases. Knowing what to look for with your credit report can allow you to catch identity thieves in the act. Credit reports contain information on all credit accounts you have opened. Knowing what accounts to query or to cancel can allow you to protect yourself from identity thieves before they even have the chance to make a purchase.

There are many ways that you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. Being a careful consumer who monitors her credit accounts and reports for suspicious activity is one way. Being an active member of the American Financial Services Association (AFSA) is another way. Being aware of the latest fraud protection services that are available can give you the advantage of being able to react quickly and prevent yourself from becoming the next victim of fraud. Being careful and being alert is the best way to protect yourself from identity thieves and any other type of fraud.

Being aware of your surroundings and doing everything you can to prevent identity theft are the best ways that you can protect yourself. One of the best ways that you can protect yourself from it is by alerting the police immediately if you ever become a victim. Most police stations have 24 hour security so that they can respond to all calls for assistance. If you do experience theft, alert the police right away. Remember that prevention is always better than cure!