Minimize Identity Thefts
On Your Life!

It’s important to protect your personal information, and to take certain steps quickly to minimize the potential damage from identity theft if your information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen:

   * Close compromised credit card accounts immediately.
   * If someone steals your social security number (SSN), contact one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and place an initial fraud alert on your credit reports.
   * Monitor your credit report. Keep in mind that fraudulent activity may not show up right away.
   * Consult with your financial institution about handling the effects on bank or brokerage accounts.
   * Contact relevant government agencies to cancel and replace any stolen drivers licenses or other identification documents, and to “flag” your file.
   * Watch for signs of identity theft: late or missing bills, receiving credit cards that you didn’t apply for, being denied credit or offered less favorable terms for no apparent reason, or getting contacted by debt collectors or others about purchases you didn’t make. HOME                ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION