There are ways of preventing identity theft – a crime that has drastically increased in recent years. No one is immune, but, taking the right steps can make it harder for criminals to steal your identity.
The time, money and effort involved in getting your life back after an identity theft are enormous. According to Javelin Strategies, the number of identity theft crimes actually increased by 11% from 2008 to 2009, affecting over 1.3 million people.
Protecting your identity is very important, so if you find your personal information has been stolen, follow the tips below to avoid further damage and complications.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report
- Close any accounts that have been affected
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
- File a police report
Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for detailed information about these steps and preventing identity theft. A video on their website discusses identity theft and the best ways to prevent or repair the damage.