Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Identity theft

Stop Thief!

   Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It is hard to stop a thief when you can't see them stealing your things. Identity theft has become more prevalent with the increasing amount of online activity out there. Most of us have the internet on our Smart phones as well as computers, laptops and tablets. Identity theft can damage your finances, credit history and your reputation. And it can cost quite a bit of money to undue the damage. 
   How can you stop it? You can't all the time, but you can learn to protect yourself. 
* Never give out your Social Security number in these 5 Places.
* Be on the alert for Scams. The FTC will post consumer scams as they become known. 
* Take precautions to guard your Smart Phone risks.

  Find out if you can add Identity Theft protection to your Homeowners insurance policy.  It will help pay for the aftermath of identity theft. It will help cover court costs, certified mailings to law enforcement, financial institutions and credit agencies. It will also cover lost wages while you attend court and the associated attorney fees. It is usually inexpensive ($40-$75) a year to add this coverage. Call your insurance agent and make sure you have this protection on your policy!