| If you have unfortunately been a victim of identity theft, | | | | if it was a simple mistake. A part of the statement |
| you need to come up with a plan for identity theft | | | | could get cut off and it could actually be a $40 gas bill |
| solutions so that this or something like this doesn't | | | | for the trip you took to Indiana last month! – |
| happen ever again to you or someone close to you. | | | | Review Report – 4. Review your credit report |
| A Handy Checklist: | | | | at least once a year, and more if possible. Check if |
| BE Prepared | | | | any new accounts have been opened that you have |
| 1. Make a list of all the companies you need to call and | | | | not authorized. Check if the dollar amounts on the |
| do it quickly. Your list will include credit card companies, | | | | credit balances you have are correct. A measly zero |
| bank accounts, other loans, mortgage payments and | | | | can make or break your credit when you go to buy a |
| the like. After your call to freeze cards and issue stop | | | | new car or find a home. – Drivers Lisence & |
| payments on checks you did not write, send the | | | | Check- |
| companies a letter in writing and keep copies. | | | | 5. An important identity theft solution is to avoid having |
| Follow up with another call to see if any solution to | | | | your driver's license number or social security number |
| your identity theft has been figured out. Keep a track | | | | printed on your checks. If you do pay by check, the |
| of whom you have called and if there is anything you | | | | cashier can check your ID and write the number in |
| need to get back to them with. | | | | front of you. 6. Know and review with other family |
| Credit Card | | | | members whom to call if you find your wallet has |
| 2. File a police report and contact the credit reporting | | | | been stolen. – Computer – 7. Update your |
| agencies. If you are traveling, ask your credit card | | | | computer virus protection, anti-spam software and |
| company to overnight you a new card. | | | | install firewalls so some college nerds do not try to |
| Check First | | | | hack in to your system just for the fun of it. – |
| 3. Always check your credit card statement before | | | | Online Shopping – 8. A relatively newer identity |
| you pay it and never assume it is correct. A charge at | | | | theft solution is gaining popularity. When shopping online, |
| a gas station for $40 is okay, but a charge at a gas | | | | use a unique virtual credit card number provided by |
| station in India is not especially if you've never laid foot | | | | your card company for the exact amount of your |
| in Asia! Call your credit card company; you pay them | | | | purchase. That is a secure way of seeing to it that no |
| hefty fees for someone to answer your call 24/7. | | | | one can use your card over and above the amount |
| There might not be a need for an identity theft solution | | | | you enter for that transaction. |