Saturday, May 27, 2006
Identy Theft
Identity theft is a serious crime; its impact on consumers and businesses is staggering.
The FTC has received thousands of real estate-related identity theft complaints. Many consumers first learn they are victims of identity theft when they are in the process of renting or buying a home, derailing their real estate dreams while they work to rebuild their good name and destroyed credit. Identity thieves may also rent or purchase a home fraudulently. Clearly, identity theft is an important issue impacting both home buyers and real estate professionals across the nation.
Deter, detect, defend--
Safeguard your personal information
Shred documents with personal information before discarding.
Guard your social security number. Don't carry it with you, keep it off your checks, etc.
Don't give out personal information over the phone, mail, or internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
Never click on web addresses sent as emails. Instead, key in the address directly to avoid being routed to the wrong site .
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. If you suspect fraud contact:
Equifax: 1800-525-6285, Experian: 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Close any accounts that have been tampered with.
File a police report.
Report theft to the Federal Trade Commission. 1-877-438-4338
The FTC has received thousands of real estate-related identity theft complaints. Many consumers first learn they are victims of identity theft when they are in the process of renting or buying a home, derailing their real estate dreams while they work to rebuild their good name and destroyed credit. Identity thieves may also rent or purchase a home fraudulently. Clearly, identity theft is an important issue impacting both home buyers and real estate professionals across the nation.
Deter, detect, defend--
Safeguard your personal information
Shred documents with personal information before discarding.
Guard your social security number. Don't carry it with you, keep it off your checks, etc.
Don't give out personal information over the phone, mail, or internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
Never click on web addresses sent as emails. Instead, key in the address directly to avoid being routed to the wrong site .
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. If you suspect fraud contact:
Equifax: 1800-525-6285, Experian: 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Close any accounts that have been tampered with.
File a police report.
Report theft to the Federal Trade Commission. 1-877-438-4338
