Identity Theft Shield Positively Impacts Theft Intrusions

While there is currently no available guarantee that you will never be the victim of identity theft there are methods you can take to both reduce the probability and make you aware of it when it happens. An identity theft shield can be placed on your accounts to notify you of questionable activities.

Unless you review your credit reports from all three of the major reporting agencies on a regular basis, it could be months before you learn about an incidence of identity theft. A person, with enough of your personal information, could change your mailing address when they open new charge accounts and you would never receive any of the bills that the thief is not paying. An identity theft shield would notify you of any information reported to the credit agency, including the change of address.

Currently, there are several pre-paid legal services offering this type of service with credit report notification being part of their program. They will also help with the legal aspects of repairing any damages that may be done as a result of identity fraud. Identity theft shield services should protect both before and after a theft.

Automatic Vigilance Provides Increased Security

Keeping a constant eye on your credit report, looking for the little things that will notify you that a theft may have taken place, is about the only sure means of keeping track of your information. This will take time as well as the understanding of what to look for on your part. An identity theft shield program claims to be able to do this automatically. In addition, the identity theft shield will not only notify you, when you submit that you did not authorize a change or a new account, steps will be taken to eliminate it, as well as pursue the person responsible.

For example, you are notified by the identity theft shield that a new credit card has been issued in your name. You know you did not open one and notify the service of this fact. The card will be cancelled immediately, removing you from responsibility of any charges made on the card and the authorities will be notified of the theft of your identification.

Without any identity theft shield protection, if the new credit card bill is sent to a different address, it could be months and thousands of dollars of debt before you find out that a claim has been issued against you for unpaid credit card debt.

Reporting Identity Theft - What To Do If You Are A Victim
Is extremely distressing to discover that your personal details has been used for illegal purposes. As a result of having your identity stolen from you, you can become a target of litigation from parties ijured by the actions of the identity thief.

So what should you do if you ever become a target and how should you go about reporting identity theft? Read on to the steps to take if you discover your identity has been stolen.

Reporting Identity Theft - The Steps To Take

Here are the steps you should take if you discover your personal security has been compromised by an identity thief.

1. Report Doubtful Transactions
If you feel that any transaction related to your credit card or bank account, report it immediately. You can use fraud dispute forms available at the bank to state your claim but, if you want the bank to consider your request, you may need to prove that you have been a victim of identity theft. You can  submit proof that your signatures have been forged or submit a copy of the police report (see below).

2. Close Effected Accounts
If you find that new accounts have been opened in your name, or there has been unauthorized access to accounts you currently have, close them immdiately. Follow up any phone calls to  your bank or credit card companies with a letter so that you have a written record of your formally notifying them.

3. Report The Problem To The Police
Credit card companies and banks and will not always often close accounts wihtout a formal affidavit so you should report the identity fraud to the police as soon as possible. Get an affidavit from them to prove the crime has been reported and your accounts compromised.

4. Inform The Credit Rating Agencies
The credit rating agencies should be told about the theft as soon as possible. Creditors will need to contact you before they give loans to anyone approaching them for credit on your behalf. Try to get the fraud alert extended to seven years from the current 90 days. File all credit reports you receive, since it is crucial as evidence to show identity theft.

5. Monitor Your Credit Reports
Keep watching your credit reports for suspicious entries such as accounts you didn't personally open or credit companies you have had no dealings with.

6. Open New Accounts Securely
Use new personal identification numbers and passwords if you when you open new accounts. Ensure that the passwords are such that someone else cannot guess them.

The above steps will help you close fraudulent accounts and keep further fraud from being committed in your name. Reporting identity theft as soon as you discover it is essential. you should contact the proper authorities immediately.