by Courtney Keskinen

Created on: July 08, 2008

Identity Theft has become the burden and threat to progress in this age of automated systems and advanced technology. In an effort to make computer systems more efficient and easier to use, inevitably, modern day "pirates" have learned how to manipulate the security of these systems to virtually steal another person's identity. A criminal can ruin a person's financial portfolio, employment and even criminal background armed with just a few pieces of information.

A Startling Prospect

Many individuals are frightened to enter personal information of any kind online due to the very real threat of having the information fall into the wrong hands. Systems claim to be secure and "hacker safe" but the modern consumer has to wonder, how secure can they be? Computers are man-made and hence, prone to error. A system could break down or malfunction and at which point could a person with the right information be able to tap into a database of private information and compromise its security? However, another threat of identity theft doesn't even have to occur online. Anyone paying for a meal with a credit card in a restaurant or even receiving mail from credit card companies can be at risk for identity theft.

Informed But Not Afraid

I want to live by the approach I like to call "informed but not afraid." I want to be able to live my life, use a credit card and enjoy my earned income without being afraid. Although, it's essential to be cautious and well informed of the threat, it's very important to not let it become a debilitating force. One cannot truly exist in a bubble, living in fear that using a debit card will be the catalyst for their downward spiral into a financial debacle. There are ways to protect yourself - ways to make you feel safer and more in control of your financial well-being: The first way to protect yourself from falling victim to identity theft is awareness. Always be aware of where your personal information is being stored, where your credit cards are stored and who has access to them.

The second way to protect yourself is through knowledge. Keeping yourself informed of your credit score and financial portfolio are essential. There are various monitoring plans available for the modern consumer. Pre-Paid Legal Services offers a plan that is known as the Identity Theft Shield. This plan offers continuous credit monitoring, credit reports and a detailed analysis of your credit score.

If the unthinkable has happened and you have fallen prey to the thieves of the digital age, the Identity Theft Shield will provide an expert to walk you through the Identity Restoration process of restoring your good name and credit. Without help from an outside source, this process can be very costly and exhausting for you to attempt to do alone. However, if a plan of action is already set in place, your precious time and thousands of your hard earned dollars can be spared during this trying period in your life.

Finally, anyone can become a victim of Identity Theft. However, if one remains "informed but not afraid" and is armed with knowledge and a solid plan of action, one can feel safer and more in control of his or her financial destiny.

I am an Associate for PPL. If you would like to learn more information, please look at the About Me section of my profile.

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