If you know that your personal information has been accessed or otherwise tampered with there are steps you must take to stop the thieves and try to repair the damage. It is important to stay alert to signs that your information is being used without your consent even when you don�t suspect you�ve been a victim.
Staying alert to these signs will help you respond quickly if your identity has been stolen:
� Unfamiliar charges or withdrawals
Always check your bank and credit card statements and make immediate inquiries to unfamiliar charges and withdrawals.
� Missing mail
If your bills and other mail have gone missing a thief may have broken into your mail box or had your mail redirected to a new address.
� Calls from Creditors
If you are being contacted by creditors you did not do business with you need to take immediate action to find out who has.
� New Credit Cards
Receiving new credit cards or bills that you didn�t sign for is a danger sign that your identity may have been stolen.
� Denial of Credit
Unexplained refusal of credit requires investigation on your part. You need to get access to your credit report right away.
What To Do if YOU are a Victim of Identity Theft
If the worst has happened and you find out you have indeed been a victim of identity theft (or have reason to suspect it) you must take IMMEDIATE action to control the damage. What is being done to protect your privacy? Get
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Report to the Credit Bureaus
If you are a victim of identity theft you must report it immediately to one of the three major credit bureaus. You only need to call one bureau to place the fraud alert and they will forward the information to the other two. Your SSN will be flagged for 90 days to prevent a thief from trying to obtain new credit with your identification.
If you are certain that your identity has been stolen you can request an extended fraud alert. The extended fraud alert will remain on your report for seven years and will require you to submit an identity theft police report.
Flagging your account will alert potential creditors to take steps to protect you. This will also delay the credit approval process. What can you do to prevent identity theft? Get your free $97 PC Security book at http://www.pc-tool.info/
