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