Friday

Fighting Debt Incurred Through Identity Theft

Guest Post by Nadia Jones

There's no getting around how much identity theft sucks. It's deceptive, hard to spot, and it is also hindering the spread of technology. As more information is used and stored online, the threat of identity theft increases exponentially as criminals can access more ways to steal your private information.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year, resulting in $631 off out-of-pocket expenses for victims due to legal fees and misappropriation of their false debt. It can take years before someone realizes they are the victim of identity theft, resulting in months or even years of the victim's time being spent towards repairing their credit worthiness and adjusting their falsely accrued debt. Remember, you are not liable for fraudulent debt resulting from identity theft. Do not pay for a criminal's debt.

Preventing and Detecting Identity Theft

Before explaining how to get rid of your fraudulent debt without having to pay the debt yourself, I think it is extremely important to detail how to prevent identity theft. Since there are so many ways identity thieves can acquire your information, protecting yourself involves a combination of a lot of little things:
  • Shred financial documents
  • Sign the backs of credit cards immediately
  • Don't carry your Social Security number or card with you
  • Don't offer personal information to anyone you don't know or trust
  • Be cautious of links in unsolicited emails
  • Use a variety of secure passwords
  • Keep your personal information locked and secure
  • Report theft or loss of key identification material (passport, license, etc.)
It is also important that you monitor your bank and credit card statements carefully, looking for any unexpected transactions or new accounts made under your name. The same applies to loans and financial aid.

Also, review your credit report annually. You area allowed a free copy of your credit report every twelve months. All you have to do is request it. To order a free annual report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free to 877-322-8228. Otherwise, you can consult a consumer reporting company (like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) which will charge about $10 for a copy of your report.

Stopping Identity Theft and Fraudulent Debt

Once you realize you are the victim of identity theft, you have to defend your reputation and credit rating by immediately filing a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports and then reviewing your reports carefully. This will alert creditors to raise security measures before opening any more new accounts or making changes to your existing ones. Filing a fraud alert will also get you a free copy of your credit report, so you can look for accounts that you didn't open and debts on accounts that you can't explain. The consumer reporting companies all have toll-free numbers that you can call to place a fraud alert, and you only need to call one:
  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
After filing a "Fraud Alert" you must do the following:
  • Request for consumer reporting companies to block fraudulent information.
  • Contact the security and fraud departments of companies where an account was opened or charged without your knowledge.

    • Send them copies of supporting documents, including the identity theft affidavit.
    • Ask for verification that the account has been resolved and fraudulent debts discharged.

  • File a police report
  • Report fraud to the FTC
Thankfully, the FTC has a very useful "tools for victims" site that offers sample letters, directions, and even a chart you can print and fill out to remind you what you've done and what you still have left to do.

Author Bio:
Nadia Jones blogs at online school about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com.

10 comments:

creditcardassist said...

I definitely want to get a theft-proof credit card like this. With identity theft running rampant, I just don't feel comfortable about my credit card and social security number being out there. I think extra precautions like this are necessary.

Gary said...

Thanks for the help. I didn't have a problem with identity theft from an unknown source as much as from my son. He's been a bit wayward and took to stealing our credit cards. I need some non profit debt consolidation help now and I don't know where to look. Suggestions?

Unknown said...

Canadians should look for ways to How to Get Out of Debt. To get out of debt, you must take action as soon as possible. How you can get out of debt. Bankruptcy is not the way you should get out of debt. There are several ways to get out of debt. Debt settlement is the best way to get out of debt. Premier Debt will help you get out of debt.

Unknown said...

Learn how to find the Best Debt Consolidation Loans and Best Debt Relief companies. Find the top three Best Debt Relief & Debt Consolidation Reviews companies.

Joy said...

Learn how to build credit. If you are looking to get a loan, you need to build credit. Find out how to build credit or rebuild your credit using credit repair.

Best Credit Repair Services said...

Nice information. Really you have shared nice information.

Unknown said...

What are Debt solutions. How debt solutions can help you. What's Credit Card Debt Solutions are available. Should you use self-made debt solutions or consult a professional. What are good credit card debt solutions?

Credit Card Settlements said...

Great post! Thanks for interesting and sympathetic blog. Fantastic!!! Bookmarked this web page that has this striking guidance. Will arrive back to see if there are any updates. You, the author, are a master. Many thanks.

bradys bearss said...

Even years of the victim's time getting spent appear acclimation their acclaim ability and adjusting their falsely accrued debt.

Debt Management

Anonymous said...

Thanks, for this post "Fighting Debt Incurred Through Identity Theft". Good knowledge about what is debt consolidation

Copyright

The documents distributed here have been presented on this blog in good faith. All Flckr.com photos are presented here via Flckr's "blog this" feature. This feature is enabled by each artist on Flckr. If you find material here that belongs to you and you would like to have it removed or credited please contact me and I will gladly follow your wishes.

Copyright and all rights therein are maintained by the authors or by other copyright holders. It is understood that all persons copying this information will adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. These works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.