From 2018 - 2020 there were 1.66 million cases of identity fraud reported to authorities. Who knows how many went unreported because the victim was too ashamed or embarrassed to admit they had been a victim of identity fraud. What can the average person do to keep their identities from being stolen? Here's a couple of ideas that we recommend to clients as well as friends and family:
With a little precaution you can help ensure that you don't become a victim of identity theft. If you feel like you may have become a victim of identify theft, please give one of our professional private investigators a call for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Lee Walters
President
EXCALIBUR - Private Investigation
- Initiate a freeze on your credit. It's very easy to do and makes it much more of a challenge for a cybercriminal to steal your identity. Each of the three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have information on their main website page that explains how you can place a freeze on your credit. Make sure to place a freeze on your kid's accounts as well as cybercriminals know those accounts are very rarely reviewed by the owners or their parents.
- Place fraud alerts on your credit accounts. Anyone can place a fraud alert with the three aforementioned credit bureaus. You only have to place the alert with one of the three and then that credit bureau will instruct the other two to do the same. This will require a business to verify your identity before opening a new line of credit in your name.
- Enroll in two-factor authentication. We know this can be a pain, but it's something you should enable on all your accounts when it's presented as an option. With this option, you'll have to enter your credentials and then follow up with a code, usually, that's texted or emailed to your known telephone number or email address.
- Review your accounts closely. Even with all of the above in place, you should monitor your credit reports and account statements closely. Don't just throw those unopened statements in a drawer thinking everything is fine and be sure to review your credit reports at least once a year, I recommend quarterly, to make sure nothing is amiss.
With a little precaution you can help ensure that you don't become a victim of identity theft. If you feel like you may have become a victim of identify theft, please give one of our professional private investigators a call for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Lee Walters
President
EXCALIBUR - Private Investigation
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