Identity Theft – A Rising Problem.
Identity theft is a rising problem in the United States. Identity thieves can get a hold of everything from your checking account to your Social Security number. They can open multiple accounts in your name and charge thousands of dollars that goes on your credit history. Victims of identity theft spend countless hours trying to resolve the problems created by identity thieves. Modern technology makes it easier for criminals to get your information. They use spyware and viruses to get personal information from your computer.
How to Know if You are a Victim
Perhaps the worst part about all of this is not that it happens, but that (unlike most crimes) the victims are often unaware that the crime is even being committed against them until months or years later. An unexplained letter from a collection agency or a knock on the door from law enforcement may be your first inclination that anything has happened. Oftentimes this happens months (or in many cases, years) after the initial identity theft. Unfortunately, once the damage is done, the process of unraveling and remedying this mess can take just as long, if not longer. What a huge inconvenience, right?
Identity Theft Protection Keeps You Informed
There are Credit Monitoring Services available to help you manage your identity and keep it protected. Use an identity protection service to watch your credit report for changes and then notify you when there is a problem. If a new account gets opened in your name, they will call you immediately and allow you to stop problems before they get out of hand.