April 21st, 2010

Avoid becoming another Hopeless Victim of Bank Identity Theft

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Ever wonder how identity theft occurs? It is actually quite fascinating, if it is not a very malicious and dangerous crime.

Identity theft occurs once a thief assumes another person’s identity by using confidential information supposed to be known exclusively by that person. The thief will commit fraud using the person’s name and important confidential information without the victim ever knowing about such transactions.

When the person or victim finally finds out about the crime committed, the thief is long gone in excruciating anonymity. They leave behind a ruined reputation, and a paper trail of ruined credit, debts and collectors.

Sometime the implications of identity theft usually cause the wrongful arrest of the victim. Why so? Because, without the identity theft angle in the case, it can be assumed that the victim was the one who committed the crimes because it was done under his/her name.

It is an alarming occurrence and usually, the victims would suffer the implications of the crime for years to come.

The past several years brought about an alarming wave of identity theft crimes in different areas dealing with personal information and economic transactions.

One of the hardest hit by identity theft crimes are the banks. Bank identity theft has been around long before there were credit card, social security, internet, job banks, airline and medical community identity thefts.

Bank identity theft occurrences vary. Some cases involve a thief continuously withdrawing huge amounts of cash from a bank account of another person until there is none left. Another case may involve the identity thief assuming the name and other personal information of another person then files for a bank loan.

Armed with personal information of another person, an identity thief can obtain a driver’s license. He/she can open new lines of credit and bank accounts even buy a car and get a mortgage. Bills and statements from these transactions are diverted to the thief’s temporary address.

They then bilk the victim’s credit line for all it is worth in cash advances, loans and credit card debt without intent to pay. All these occur with the thief hidden in a shroud of anonymity.

Bank identity theft and other forms of identity theft is a nightmare for millions of people who have become victims of such crime. Indeed, the figures of those victimized have reached into millions already. Sadly, though state and federal laws and stricter bank transactions have been imposed, the number of victims continues to rise each year.

When the walls come crashing in, you are left holding the bag and the thief is long gone. Financial recovery from identity theft can take years.

In United States and Canada, many people have reported unauthorized persons taking out funds form their bank or financial accounts. There are even worst cases when the victims report of an identity thief who has totally taken over their identities. With it, the thief have run up huge debts and committed crimes all under the name of the victim.

There was a notorious case of identity theft wherein the criminal, a convicted felon incurred more than $100,000 of credit card debt. Aside from this, the felon also obtained a federal home loan, bought homes, motorcycles, and handguns using the victim’s name.

With maniacal pride, he called his victim to taunt him. He declared that he could continue posing as the victim for as long as he wanted. During that time, identity theft was not yet a federal crime. Then, the thief filed for bankruptcy still using the victim’s name.

Very bitter was the fact that the criminal only served a brief sentence while the victim and his wife spent more than four years to restore their reputation and credit. They also spent more than $15,000 of their own money to win back their credit. The criminal did not even made restitution for all the danger he had caused.

The only positive thing that came out of this case and the others similar to this is when the Congress created a new federal offense against identity theft in 1998.

You can avoid being a victim of bank identity theft by identifying red flags that may indicate

Here are several red flags that indicate you may be a victim of identity theft:

1. There are bills for a credit card account you did not open.

2. There are notice charges, which you did not authorize on your credit card statement

3. No bills and credit card statements arrive on the days you expect them.

4. Unauthorized transfers or withdrawals on your bank statements show.

5. Notifications from collection agency about accounts you never opened.

6. Calls or notices from businesses about merchandise you did not buy.

7. Debts showing up on your credit reports that you did not file.

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March 17th, 2010

Beware That Government Identity Theft Is Increasing

There are different types of theft including the newer and more popular identity theft or fraud. Government identity theft is on the rise too. This is where criminals are intentionally trying to obtain your personal information so that they may use it in their benefit, in different ways.

If you know someone who has been a victim of identity theft, you may know the hardships that they lived through. Anyone’s life can be turned inside out. Be responsible and take care of your government identification, such as your Social Security number. Stop giving out to just about anyone.

Criminals armed with your information can take on your identity and take loans out in your name. The only way you will find them out is if you do a regular check of your credit report. That means thoroughly reviewing it often, at least three or four times a year, if not more. This will help you to track any irregular activity, catching it early on before it becomes too damaging.

The government is taking some action with regards to phishing and fraud regarding federal identification. They had to since Congress turned the SSN into a free for all, required to disclose it whenever an American tries to open a bank account, gets a job, apply for a driver’s license, or even a fishing license!

As the Social Security Number became a federal identifier, it made it very easy for criminals to steal other people’s identities. This is a very serious issue, perhaps more so than you have ever thought. In fact, when personal information is stolen, your bank accounts can be emptied, credit cards can be maxed out, and all your financial assets may disappear. There are many Americans who had to deal with such serious implications.

It is imperative that you take the proper action to protect yourself and your loved ones from any type of fraud that may occur at any given time. Learn to keep your personal information private and keep a close eye on all your assets and your credit report.

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March 8th, 2010

15 Best Ways To Avoid Identity Theft

1. You should be using a locked mailbox or a post office box.Thieves love to look in mailboxes for checks, greeting cards, bank statements, etc. Would you leave your most personal and financial information in a box on the side of the road?   No, I didn’t think so. That is exactly what you are doing without a locked mailbox.

2. You should always check your bank and credit card statements to make sure there are no unauthorized charges.

3. Never leave your wallet or purse unattended.

4. Never give your social security number unless absolutely necessary. Many places will ask for your social security number but you should always ask and make sure that they would absolutely need that info.

5.Make sure and use a cross cut shredder on all your personal documents.

6. Be careful who you give or sell your old computer to. If you simply delete personal files this doesn’t actually delete them. They can easily be recovered with cheap or free software. You should always format the hard drive and reinstall the operating system if selling computer to someone you don’t know. Even after formatting there is still software that can be used to recover your data so the only way to be absolutely sure is to get out the torch :-)

7. Before you give out any personal information, ask how they will secure it or if it will be shared.

8.  Never give out your credit card number if someone calls you on the phone, no matter who they say they are

9. Avoid accessing secure websites like your bank from any public computers.

10.  Make sure your computer is password protected.

11. If you don’t use certain credit cards then you should close the accounts.

12. The 3 credit bureaus let you have a free copy of your credit report once a year. You should take advantage of this offer.

13. Beware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are when crooks get people to go to their fake website that looks like their banks or financial institutions website and when the person tries to login, they capture that persons real username and password and from that point the criminal has access to their accounts. Many times these phishing scams come in email trying to get people to click on a link.

14.  Watch out for people standing too close to you when putting in your PIN and using your debit card.

15.  Never make your online passwords easy to guess. Like using your dog’s name which is available for anyone to see on some online profile.

Just remember to always be careful with your personal information.

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March 3rd, 2010

On Identity Theft Court Cases: Become More Aware of Identity Theft

There was a time in the world history when people were contented with typewriters. Sure, there were reports of robberies and hold-ups, but there were few reports of identity theft frauds, which is totally a different kind of mettle. It is more malicious and notorious type of crime. Identity theft is more like an operation of a cruel maniac, bent on destruction under a cloud of anonymity.

Now, there are thousands – actually, millions of reports each year about identity theft cases. As modern technology further enhances, what with the Internet and all the other electronic devices for commercial and financial processing, identity thieves found it easier to get hold of confidential information.

There are also other sources introduced by modern technology that encourage the criminals more to the lure of identity theft. This is sad, but true.

The more pensive we will be when we find out that the true victims of identity theft crime are the ones who pay for the criminal activities of others. We are likely pay repeatedly, too. Once we have encouraged the identity thief to add blackmail into their list of crimes, the more we are likely to suffer in terms of time, money and frustration.

Once the identity thief strikes, we are all victims. It is like the implications of gas price hikes. When gas prices increases, all other products, services and goods also increase.

Are you asking about motive? Well none other than greed, self-centered illusions, ill-minded world. Usually, compared to sane people, people with mental illnesses are much better. Patients with mental illness s are not that dangerous as compared to those with the ability to plot, manipulate and carry out a criminal activity.

In several identity theft court cases, the felons are also accused of having antisocial behaviors. Psychological studies used as evidences in court deliberation found out that many studies indicate that the thieves have behavioral patterns leading to Antisocial Personality Types.

As the days go by, identity theft continues to become a growing problem, instead of a reducing problem in the Unite States. Not only does it occur in small towns, said criminal activity also happen in large cities.

In 1998, due to the many unsuccessful identity theft court cases, the federal law passed the bill establishing identity theft as a simply fraudulent activity, but a blatant criminal offense with heavy charges to the convicted.

If you are asking how often the crime of identity theft occurs, there are reports released by the Identity Theft Resource Center regarding this. It shows that from 2003, there were 7 million people who became victims of identity theft within a twelve-month period. If you will compute them and convert them into time, well, approximately 13.3 people per minute who become victims of identity theft. This means that identity theft occurrences happen every minute of everyday.

There are ways in order for identity theft to be investigated and eventually, prosecuted. However, it is quite labor intensive. Investigating identity theft court cases individually are requiring many men. Usually, federal prosecution seems to think that it is too small for that agency to handle.

Due to the continued allegations and cases filed, the federal prosecution took the hint and gave it more attention. Consequently, the Departments of Justice and Treasury and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken active interest in the matter and pursued effective means of prevention, and prosecution of identity thieves.

Today, the federal prosecution acknowledges that identity theft has become the fastest-growing financial crime in America. Aside from this, it may well be the fastest-growing crime in our society. What makes it more infuriating is that offenders of identity theft are seldom held accountable.

Identity theft court cases that involve a group or a large numbers of victims are quite a unique challenge. Since it is quite important to communicate with victims, then the means of communications used by identity thieves become necessary tool as fundamental investigative information. Even loss and restitution information are also needed.

Meanwhile there are also complex identity theft court cases. In these types of cases, an interpreter may be needed to devise a system of communication to the incarcerated victims.

Even as you can file for identity theft court cases when you become a victim, it is still best to prevent being a victim first.

However, if you do become a victim of identity theft, there are two choices for you to do, first you can try to handle it on your own, or you can let a professional help you.

Experts also continuously encourage people to be proactive and instruct them about what things you need to do to prevent being a victim of identity theft. Remember, prevention is better than cure and an identity theft court case may take months to become resolved.

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March 3rd, 2010

Stop Pretenses! Secure your Company from Corporate Identity Theft

The maniacal cruelty and audacity of identity theft criminals have now reached into the corporate world of business companies. In November 2005, the corporate identity theft crime wave reached the UK businesses.

According to brief reports last November, the corporate identity theft cost UK businesses up to £50M a year. Why? What is the modus operandi of these corporate identity thieves? Actually, it has been going on for years now.

Believe it or not, there are criminals posing as company directors on certain companies! Each year, as they see how gullible some people could be, there has been increasing number of them. They order goods that they never pay for and then sell those products for profits thus ripping off suppliers.

As a smokescreen to make them seem legitimate, they register through government agency handling company registrations, change company records and run up credit using company’s name.

Indeed, there are rouges that claim/pretend to be the manager or other illustrious title of a company and check that company’s credit rating. When he/she see that it’s good, he starts his game. By forging and filing forms at the government agency where companies are registered, he notifies the appointment of a fictitious new director. He then implies that there’s a new registered office address for the company.

Since the Registrar of Companies cannot check the validity of the documents, and is not obliged by law to check them, they proceed to register them. Afterwards, the thief orders high value goods and services on credit. He/she may use false IDs and then pretend to be a company director.

To countercheck, the supplier may search at Companies House. Since the accuracy of the thief’s claim has been established there already, the supplier will not see anything amiss. However, once the goods are delivered, the fictitious company directory disappears, without paying. The company he represented then suffers the set back.

As of now, according to reports many companies are suffering from this kind of corporate identity theft. It has become a present problem since even smaller companies are as vulnerable as large ones.

A company who has become victim of a corporate identity theft may even find out long after the rouge has taken off. Once they need a loan, they may be surprised of being denied credit and learn that they cannot obtain credit because they already have significant financial obligations. Until they can clear up that these are made by somebody else has accumulated these debts using the company’s name, their business may suffer terribly.

Beware, for this may happen in your company. You must know that it’s the medium sized and smaller businesses being targeted.

Security and trust are very important aspects in corporate ethics code. Corporate identity theft seems to have broken the barriers of these ethical bounds.

Whether your business is in UK or in any other part of the globe, avoid falling victim to corporate identity theft. There are simple precautions that you can make sure to make sure corporate identity theft does not taint your company’s good name.

Here are protective measures recommended for companies to prevent other people from pretending to be you.

First, make sure that the thief has not targeted your business. You need to frequently check with the government agency handling company registrations to see if your company’s registered office is accurate. You can do it online by finding out the website of the government agency mentioned.

You can also sign up proof service in order to pre-empt the thief. If your business is in UK, you can file online for PROOF service.

Filing for proof service means that certain changes in the information about your company should only be filed electronically. This must include the changes of company director’s name and your business address.

Once you file for proof service, filing through paper forms will be rejected. There are user name, password and authentication codes used in these electronic forms wherein your documents will be protected and no one else who does not know these codes can access them.

Do not let the tentacles of corporate identity theft get into your company. Stop pretensions of thieves and fight back. Aside from the preventive measures given, companies can find other means of preventing and eventually, stopping the insidious attacks of this crime.

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March 9th, 2008

The Benefits of Identity Theft Insurance

One of the fastest rising crimes in the United States and United Kingdom is Identity Theft.  Considerably, identity theft is one of the most often reported crimes.  Identity theft is a horrible crime which occurs about thrice every minute in America.  In U.K an estimated one hundred thousand cases are committed every year.

Regrettably, identity theft is not anymore an unusual happening particularly in North America.  Majority of people do not even give a thought of it.  It does not matter to them whether the crime is committed or not.  They will only be concerned about it if they will be victimized by the identity thief.

What is the meaning of Identity Theft?  Identity Theft or Identity Fraud is the deliberate assumption of the identity of another person, generally in order to have free access of their finances or to use it in committing a terrible crime.  Identity theft is unlawful use of your personal name, date of birth, social security number together with your financial and banking information.  The Identity Thief will utilize the information in applying for credit, opening bank accounts and to the extent of find a job.

Identity theft is seldom used in terrorism, illegal immigration, espionage or alters the identity of the person permanently.  Identity theft can also be a way of blackmailing a person by violating the privacy of the person.  The illegal activities of the thief while using the name of the victim will have serious consequences such as the loss of job or the marriage.

The victims of identity theft are not solely the stable credit companies, but also who does not have much credit life for example, the students from college.  They will be framed up by giving them fake credit accounts using their names.

The students are the common victims because their personal information especially for schools that will post their grades by using their Social Security Number.  And sometimes students do not even bother to protect such information.  They do not check seriously their financial accounts.  Mostly, credit card applications are sent by mail.

Identity theft crimes come from snatching of the wallet to big time fraud rings.  Identity theft can happen when somebody gets your mail, your purse is stolen, or your records in an institution are swiped. This can be easily remedied if the thief is arrested early.  The banks and creditors will only ask you to pay the first $50 of deceptive charges.

However, those grave cases of deception will go on for so many years and more resources to be resolved. In view of this, there is no denying that there exists the danger of identity theft. Thus, everyone should do something so as to give the necessary protection.

There are some preventive measures for the commission of the crime.  It is really not easy to keep your identity safe especially in our world wherein we find strangers who are always smiling.  You do not know whether they are sincere or not.  Hence, you should be aware of fraud and be very careful in sharing your personal information.  Every month, make it a habit to monitor carefully your statement of accounts.  You should strictly observe any unlawful activity about your credit report.

In order that your personal information and pre-approved credit offers will not be known by any unauthorized person, you should use the paper shredder.

The above mentioned measures will serve as precautions for everyone who will be possible victims of identity theft.  Now if you are really serious about your identity and financial stability, then the best way to protect us from identity theft is to get an identity theft insurance.  Many companies are offering this identity theft insurance which normally costs from $25 to $60 every year.

You should bear in mind that identity theft insurance is not a guarantee which will prevent you from being a victim.  Identity theft insurance will help you to recover from your plenty of losses due to identity theft.

However, your direct monetary losses resulting from identity theft are not covered by identity theft insurance.  Identity theft insurance will provide the coverage for the reclaiming of your financial identity like the expenses when making a phone call, reproducing copies; documents are mailed, taking a leave from office without pay and hiring your attorney.

There are to things to consider before you get an identity theft insurance.
·  Know what are the policy limits.

·  Inquire if there is something deductible.

·  Take note that identity theft insurance does not include direct monetary losses.

·  Make some verifications on what limits apply and what are the requirements to cause the coverage, when the insurance policy covers the lost wages.

·  If the insurance policy includes the legal fees, then verify what limits apply and if there is a need for the insurer to approve the legal work.

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February 29th, 2008

Regarding Commercial Identity Theft: Who has Stolen your Good Identity?

You wake up one lovely morning and you tell yourself that it is going to be a great day. As you walk towards the kitchen to cook a luscious breakfast, the phone rang.

With a smile pasted on your face, you said one of the sweetest hello you have ever uttered your whole life, only to find out from an alert employee whom you are speaking with on the other line that you are near insolvency.

You stand there frozen – unable to make the information sink in instantly. Afterwards, the smiled faded into a wry. Now you know your identity is in great trouble.

Somebody has stolen your name, address, social-security number, bank and credit account numbers and phone numbers. Somebody has stolen your IDENTITY.

That somebody has been using your identifying information and accounts to purchase properties and enrich. You are greatly indebted and your bank accounts are emptied. Without you knowing it, you are nearing your doom days.

What is identity theft? Identity theft happens when somebody has taken your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), identifying information and credit card account or bank accounts in order to commit crimes and other fraudulent machinations.

If you are faced in this situation, fury and loathe will be an understatement. That is for sure. It takes years to build who you are and what you have now. No one has the right to take it away from you. If they do, they have to pay for it.

Your identity is as precious as your life. Your finances are valuable as your living. You have worked hard for it. Hence, it is just but right to protect them from the widespread identity theft commercial.

Perpetrators can easily steal identities. They roam around and watch you closely and the next thing you found out is that you have fallen victim of identity theft commercial. Do not let this happen to you. Try to device something helpful.

Moreover, you have to be extra cautious about your personal information especially those that involves your finances.

You have to make an effective identity theft commercial prevention plan. To do it efficiently, here are some of the things that you must do:

1. You have to check your credit report from the three bureaus at least once every year. Check whether it is accurate. If it contains error, dispute it right away. This is to protect you from fraud and inconsistencies.

2. Another way to prevent identity theft commercial is not to leave your Social Security card in your wallet when you carry the same in public places. Leave it at home or anywhere safe and away from intruders.

3. Keep your social security number, bank account pin numbers and credit report access number private. Do not write your ATM pin number at the back of the ATM card. Another, since identity theft commercial has invaded the net, use security software. Firewall is a good choice.

4. Avoid Internet frauds. Bear in mind that no reputable and legal business will ask you to confirm your personal identification information through e-mail. This is an example of a hoax leading to identity theft commercial.

5. Be careful in telling others your credit card number via phone. This is especially true with telemarketers.

6. When you are about to have an airline or hotel reservation, it is preferable that you use a regular corded phone rather than a cell phone or cordless phone. This will minimize the chance of identity theft commercial.

7. You can also have a membership program from a company that helps victims of identity theft to recover from said crime. Said membership provides security, convenience and financial assistance. In addition, it also offers reimbursement of benefits covered.

8. If you happen to find a credit card, report it immediately. This is to stop a possible chain of identity theft commercial.

9. If you have queries regarding identity theft commercial, you are free to visit the Federal Trade Commission site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. You can also call its Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).

More often than not, the perpetrator’s goal is just to get your name, address and credit card number – that’s it. Moreover, you have to be careful in giving away these pieces of information.

Though these tips may not guaranty a 100% identity theft-proof still this will keep you more protected that the rest who do not exercise these precautions.

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February 15th, 2008

Fight against Identity Theft with Fraud Alert

One thing you can be proud of always is your self-identity — your individual difference among other persons. It reflects your whole being and your personality in general. It also shows your uniqueness with other people. It is something that cannot be stolen from you.

However, don’t you know that nowadays other people can steal your personal identity already?

Yes. You should be alarm with this fact. Maybe due to the continuous search of men for wealth, they happen to commit this kind of calcification to the point that they are already intervening in one’s privacy, the personal identity of others.

This is how worse the situation is in the world today. Imagine having your identity stolen by others and used for criminal acts. Isn’t it a grave offense and a deep insult in your person? Identity theft evolved when there is numerous numbers of people already practicing this form of violation.

Identity theft is indeed a crime of a different kind of dye. In simple term, it is the stealing of your personal identity. It can be comprise of your identification information.  It will include your SSS number, licenses data, bank accounts, your full name and other details that reveal your identity.

Are these people gaining benefit from you? Precisely yes. Those people who are stealing one’s identity can profit a lot. Just take it as an example, if another person knows your bank account number and your full name, he can make transaction with the bank. In other words, he will be given the privilege to withdraw from your money.

There are many ways on how you can prevent yourself from being one of the victims’ of identity theft. Aside from the personal means that you can do it by yourself, you can also engage in the so-called fraud alert. Try to know more about it.

However, you are not yet aware about identity theft, it is necessary that you apply your credit file with fraud alert. This is one way to protect your account from being stolen by other people especially if they are attempting to do so.

Fraud alert refers to something attached to your credit report. This is usually done by most of the major credit bureaus where you are connected. This fraud alert works simple. If there is someone, who is going to make transaction concerning your account the credit bureau will make an immediate call after you.

This will be a prior notification for you. If in case the call cannot reach you, it only means one thing that, your account should not be opened. This will somehow inform the credit company that the person is not really given the authority to make transaction on his account.

It is easy to set up your fraud alert. All you need to do is to coordinate with the fraud alert department op the credit bureau that you are engaging. Afterwards, you can simply notify them to top flag your credit file for fraud. To secure this, you will be asked to record your voice in an automated voice response system because this will be utilized when they are calling you.

If it there comes a time when you already want to remove the fraud alert not flagged in your credit file, you can immediately inform them requesting for a removal through writing. It is necessary that you should place your full name, SSS number, your current and previous addresses, the date of your birth, and your contact number. You have to send it on the fraud alert department of the credit bureaus where you apply your fraud alert.

Fraud alert is a big help for the security of your account. However, you should also beware that sometimes fraud alter is disregarded by some creditors. If you are a previous victim of identity theft or you know that somebody is planning against your account, fraud alert can help. Nevertheless, you also need to check on your credit report if it is still updated.

Securing your identity is the most important thing that you should always put into consideration. Do not let these thefts conquer your privacy. They do not deserve a wealthy living with their kind of act!

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February 8th, 2008

Put an End to Criminal Identity Theft

Being mistaken for someone else can be very hazardous. It can actually get you punished for something you never did. A couple of situations have already cropped up when someone else in a course of a criminal act uses another persons identity.

Many criminals have had the ability to get crucial and vital information, such as social security number, addresses, credit card numbers, bank accounts, birth certificates and etcetera to commit crimes.

The imposter uses someone else’s identification. Not only that, most of the imposter uses fraudulent information or in this case, true personal information but not their own. The fake identification can lead the crime to someone else. As a result, the innocent person will suffer from all of the consequences of the crime commited.

In a traffic scenario, criminal identity theft can also happen. Traffic imposter that violates the traffic rules can use a fraudulent driver’s license with another persons name. By doing this, they can escape the traffic fine or escape from appearing in court as the law requires. The fine goes to another persons record.

The judge will surely issue a warrant of arrest for traffic violation. Unfortunately, the license card is in the name of the victim. Because of this, the imposter will never appear in any court hearing. The worst thing is that, the victim is normally arrested upon a routine traffic stop.

Criminal identity theft is more complicated compared to financial identity theft. Fortunately, unlike other theft cases, criminal identity theft is very rare. In this case the imposter has a rigid form of identify complex. Especially if the suspect uses a different fraud identity, the police department will surely have a hard time looking for the perpetrator.

At the present situation, police are very much more cautious when it comes to criminal identity theft. This offense is considered to be an extreme personal crime. Moreover, records are not easily cleared which could cause several problems with transactions a person may undertake. For example, a criminal record, albeit false, can mar a clean record causing a person some problems with say his credit or a job opportunity.

Not only that, criminal identity imposter can also tamper with some bank account charges of the victim. It can also make some bank account withdrawals and social security tampering. Unrelated crimes can also be committed by the imposter for whom the victim may be held responsible.

Criminal identity theft can also affect the victim in obtaining a job. The imposter can simply use the other personal documents in some events. An impostor can steal from a company and the assumed identity may get the bum wrap for the act done.

The real trouble in identity theft is that the burden of proof relies on the victim’s evidences. The victim must have enough information and data in order to clear up the issues. Not only that, if the imposter had committed a serious offense, the trial can take years. It can even cost the victim thousands of dollars to clear his or her name. These are more conveniences on the part of the victim.

In most cases, the victim is required to have a set of circumstances. The victim must render enough time and evidences to clear the issue on his or her criminal records. A good lawyer should also be retained, the sooner you clear your name and your records the better it will be for you.

If you ever found out that someone is using your identity, don’t wait for the authorities to pick you up, do actions already to minimize the potential damage it may cause.

What are things that an individual should do when criminal identity theft happened?

•  The very first thing that he must do is to report the incident. The local law enforcement agency must know the misidentification issue.

•  Proper impersonation report must be filled officially. The victim must not take all things for granted. He must act as soon as possible to prevent serious troubles.

•  Having enough information about the particular laws of the state is important. The victim must know the proper proceedings when it comes to identity theft. Here is where a good and knowledgeably lawyer will be very handy.

This kind of criminal offense happens more often than what everybody thinks. It has already destroyed countless lives of innocent people. Do not let somebody damage your reputation. Take the essential precautions to protect yourself from criminal identification theft.

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January 31st, 2008

How to Avoid Identity Theft: Keeping your Financial Records Safe

Picture this, you are browsing through your mail, you get your bills and you didn’t count on seeing your credit card bill with a five-figure charge. Its bad enough that you get charged for purchases you didn’t do, you also get slapped with a bad credit rating that will certainly jack up all your credit rates.

Aside from that, the legitimate card holder can also suffer from different consequences. The credit account can be transferred to fraudulent individuals or corporations and the savings data will leak permanently.  Important information like credit card password and numbers are also stolen. Client’s confidentiality can also be changed by the impersonator. Worse, the social security of a person may be used for different criminal acts.

In most part of the globe, the issue on identity theft is a rapid growing offense. In United States, a study was conducted last 2004 revealing how serious the situation of the crime is. The Federal Trade Commission recently concluded that almost 9.1 million individuals are victims of identity theft crimes.  

Aside from that, in a United Kingdom based study done last 2003, 20 percent of the entire consumer groups have also fell victim to identity theft crisis. On the other hand, the Home Office in United Kingdom does not assemble the information for identity theft. Instead, they make some alternatives on how to avoid this kind of situations. This only goes to show that identity theft is prevalent in both sides of the globe.

How to prevent credit card identity theft from happening

In order to prevent this kind of scenario, here are some important insights and safety tips about identity theft.

•  Leaving the receipt or pay slip on any ATM station or gas pumps is not a good habit. Be observant with details. Always make sure to lock and sort out files for bills, and bank account receipts. Before throwing those things away make sure to shred them first. Bits and pieces of information can be used by a seasoned identity thief.

•  In a current investigation done by the FBI, 30 percent of the victims admitted that they had been a victim of identity theft by a co-worker or a friend. In this case, be very wary of the people around you. Don’t just trust any bank documents to anyone else. Most of the suspects know the pattern and lifestyles of their victims
 
•  Do not forget to get a copy of credit reports and statements. Get it from a reliable source like credit banking and bureaus.

•  Choose out of the mailing list. The bank mailing list must come from the contacts of credit bureaus.  As much as possible, call the bank registry office. This office can give an idea which mailing list is safe from identity theft.

•  Never write down the security card number on the check. Many individuals can read it and can use it against the account. Do not also put the security card number in the wallet. It must be kept on a secured area for privacy.

•  Another thing is, never print the bank account number on any documents, like for example a driver’s license.

•  Delete any spam email messages that requires an account number. It can be a fraud strategy top get vital information from you. And also, stop other credit card offers from the internet. There are some hackers that can corrupt the bank notifications. Installing firewall and anti spyware software can also help. These softwares can protect the password of the computer and other personal data sheets.

•  When getting a new batch of checks, it is important to get first the initial printed name instead of the whole name. It is also important to get the check from designated bank purchaser office.

•  The password account must be private. The pin number must not be carried inside the wallet. Any personal information should not be given over the phone. 

As an advice, if an individual feels that he is a victim of an identity theft, it is appropriate to contact the nearest Justice Department. If not, a bank office can also help in that particular situation. Remember, in every action, taking extra care and getting help from the appropriate agencies is the safest thing to do.

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