Stolen Identities, Stolen Lives: Protecting Yourself from Identity Fraud
Protecting yourself and your personal data in this "Information
Age" becomes more and more crucial as time passes and technology advances.
InsureMe can help you protect yourself by connecting you with agents on our
network who can provide the insurance you need —and the security you deserve.
You can trust us to match you with top-notch local insurers, so you can get the
best quotes from them, and we always keep your personal information private. In
fact, we've been doing just that since 1993!
Let our secure system analyze your information and match you with agents on
our network, so you can choose the insurance that is right for you…nothing
more, nothing less
A Growing Trend
One of the fastest-growing and most invasive crimes in
This act occurs when someone uses your personal information without your
knowledge or permission to conduct criminal activities. The shocking results,
once discovered, require months—and sometimes even years—of effort reconciling
names, bank accounts, credit card statements and credit reports.
More and more, consumers are grappling with this mounting threat to their
finances, their security…and their future.
Devastating Lives
Hackers and thieves steal vital information such as social security numbers,
email addresses, telephone numbers and bank account data every day, running up
thousands of dollars in erroneous charges, writing personal checks on others'
accounts, and taking out loans in clueless consumers' names.
Unfortunately, many times the damage is already done before the thievery is
discovered.
Gaining Unauthorized Access
But how do thieves gain access to such closely guarded information?
Many obtain it from businesses or other institutions by stealing records or
information on the job.
Others hack into computer systems or steal personal mail, checks or tax
information.
Still others go "dumpster diving," rummaging through trash cans or
public dumps.
Some even pose as an employer, landlord or someone else who may have a legal
right to confidential data.
The more traditional thief may steal wallets or purses, pulling private
information from their contents.
Regardless of the method used, identity theft devastates and destroys lives
every day. But if you educate and learn to protect yourself and your
information, you'll minimize your risk of being caught in this unfortunate
situation…and forced to rebuild your life.
Giving Out Information
Sometimes we unwittingly put our personal information in the wrong hands,
without checking to make sure the person or company inquiring is actually
legitimate. Since identity theft happens in the most unexpected places—and
usually when we least expect it—it's better not to fall into this kind of trap.
Err on the side of caution if you even suspect the validity of the
request…or the person making it.
"People need to be more protective of their personal information,
particularly with whom and how they share it; whether online, over the phone or
in person," says Dave McCabe, vice president of Chubb & Son and
marketing manager for Chubb Personal Insurance.
Protecting Yourself
"Recovering from identity theft can be difficult, costly and
stressful…" says Kirk Herath, associate general counsel for Nationwide
Mutual Insurance Company.
The average victim suffers about $3,968 in fraudulent charges, according to
Nationwide, and spends an average of 81 hours trying to resolve the case.
While there's no way to guarantee you'll never become a victim of identity
fraud, you can take steps to protect yourself and decrease your exposure to
this crime.
Preventive Measures
The Better Business Bureau, along with some creditors, insurers, banks and
check processors, recommend you:
- Keep your Social Security
card in a secure location like a safe deposit box or locked filing cabinet
rather than carrying it in your purse or wallet.
- Shred all private documents
before discarding them, including anything containing your name, social
security number, bank account numbers, or address and phone number.
- Retrieve paper mail promptly,
and take outgoing checks or other sensitive documents to a U.S. Postal
Service mailbox.
- Request that the post office
hold your mail if you go on vacation.
- Be wary of promotional scams,
especially those that come by email, as they may be used to obtain
personal information.
- Don't give out any
information until you determine how it will be used, how it will be
secured, and whether or not it will be shared with others.
- Replace paper bills,
statements and checks with Internet or paperless versions through an
electronic bill pay service.
- Keep passwords private and
change them frequently.
- Update computer firewall and
anti-virus software regularly.
- Order and review copies of
your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus at least once a
year.
Credit Card Monitoring
Credit card monitoring provides another possible safeguard from identity
theft. This service, offered by many credit card companies, alerts you to
unusual purchases or increased purchase activity using your card.
The downside: coverage costs between $8 and $12 per month per card, which
really adds up if you use several cards. However, keeping an eye on things
through daily or weekly online access can help minimize your risk of loss.
Insurance
Insurance provides the best measure to ensure identity theft never ruins
your life.
Because consumers have become so concerned about the threat this crime poses
to their lives, many insurance companies now offer policies that reimburse
expenses incurred during the credit restoration process, as well as offering
advice about how to prevent theft and restore your credit.
This type of insurance is often included as a rider under a homeowner's
policy, and gives you valuable protection against lost wages, loan fees and
legal expenses incurred when fighting identity fraud. Some companies provide
the service at no additional cost to homeowners or renters; others charge from
about $2 to $5 a month—little cost for such crucial protection.
However, insurance companies often wait until your policy needs renewing
before notifying you about the opportunity to add riders onto your existing
policy. So if you don't want to wait until renewal time, call your insurance
agent to request this additional coverage, or to learn about any existing
coverage you may already have.
Avoiding Loss
People who've lost their identities to unscrupulous thieves often feel their
lives have been stolen, too. Not insignificantly, it takes a lot of time and
money to clean up the mess that results.
In addition to the psychological sense of loss, this horrendous crime costs
victims so much materially: job opportunities; loans for educations, houses or
cars; and future financial opportunities.
But identity theft doesn't have to be such a threat if you play it smart,
avoid giving out vital information, and protect yourself with the insurance you
need.
Don't put yourself in a vulnerable position. Do what you can to protect your
identity—and your life—today.
Playing It Smart
Hindsight can't protect you…but a good insurance policy can.
Let InsureMe help you find the coverage you need—at a price you can afford.
Play it smart and fill out our quote application online or give us a call, and
we will connect you with agents on our network who can.
