by Danielfb

Created on: January 17, 2009

Preventing identity theft from happening will save you from the never-ending battle of recovering and restoring your good name. Cowards who steal people's identity never come face to face with their victims. They hide behind computers, take your mail, pick through garbage and trick you into giving out personal information over the telephone. Dishonest people who obtain your social security number have everything they need to steal your identity. Checking your credit report every month from all three credit bureaus

Equifax, Experian and Trans Union is easy to do. By joining Credit Keeper or True Credit for a small monthly fee, you can view and compare all three reports on a monthly basis. They will notify you every time someone looks into your credit report and new accounts have been open. They will also instruct you on how to remove inaccurate information off your credit report. Inaccurate information on your credit report affects your credit score.

If your identity becomes stolen notify all three-credit bureaus immediately in writing and instruct them to place a credit freeze and fraud alert on your credit report at once. Also, notify in writing all creditors listed on your credit report, let them know that you did not apply for any such credit and instruct them to suspend any credit limits that you did not authorize. Your notice should also request copies of all signed credit applications that determined their credit decision. Identity theft is a serious crime and you must report it to the local police or sheriff department right away. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you file a complaint with the FTC; your case information is stored in their database to assist law enforcement with catching identity thugs. Consult with your attorney to determine if legal action against any debt collectors, credit bureaus or creditors is necessary.

Imagine opening your mailbox and receiving a bill or statement for several thousand dollars worth of items you never purchased. Another common discovery for identity theft is at the car dealership, thinking you have A-1 credit and the finance manager comes back with bad news about your credit report.

Life Lock is a company that protects people from identity theft by placing fraud alerts on your credit report. When you or a potential thief applies for credit under your name, all credit decisions are on hold until you confirm your identity. Life Lock also offers one million dollars insurance protection should your identity be stolen under their watch. The fee is reasonable and provides quality protection against identity theft.

Learn more about this author, Danielfb.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.