Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Theft
Identity theft can be a frightening prospect for consumers across the country. The feeling of violation is very real, and can affect all aspects of life. If your identity has been stolen, or if you are concerned about the possibilities, it's vital to seek the services offered by an identity theft prevention company and fix identity theft now. These services monitor activity on your credit report and provide peace of mind throughout the process. Still, the process can be confusing. Find out the answers to some of the most frequently asked identity theft-related questions here:
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is an insidious crime that has affected millions of Americans. An identity thief assumes your identity and tries to use it to obtain credit – he or she can pose as you and apply for loans and credit cards. These fraudulent accounts appear on your credit record and can affect your ability to get a loan and apply for credit. Many times, victims are unaware of the theft of their identities for months or years. This is why it's especially important for consumers to stay aware of their credit reports and seek out the services of an identity theft monitoring service.
What is FixIdentityTheftNow.com?
FixIdentityTheftNow.com is a service that helps consumers take back control of their credit. For a nominal fee, the service will monitor activity associated with your credit report 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Any "red flags" will be dealt with and you will be notified of any unusual activity. Consumers turn to services like those at FixIdentityTheftNow.com because they offer guaranteed protection and peace of mind – many back up their services with a $1 million guarantee that will cover any losses you incur as a result of identity theft.
How can identity theft hurt my credit
Identity theft can dramatically hurt your credit rating, and can even cripple your ability to get a loan or buy a home in the future. Here's how it works: If a thief steals your identity, your credit rating will immediately be impacted. Your thief isn't likely to pay the bills on the credit he/she took out; instead, your credit will suffer as a result of their shenanigans. Consumers often do not realize that their identity has been stolen for years, which means there is a mountain of debt and data that must be fixed before a consumer's true credit record is fixed. Meanwhile, it can be nearly impossible to get a mortgage or a car loan. This is why services such as FixIdentityTheftNow.com are so important.
How can I protect myself?
There are some rules of thumb that all consumers should follow. Don't give out your Social Security number to anyone, particularly phone solicitors or through online forms. Often, you'll see that your bank will remind you on statements that a teller will never call to ask for such information. Keep your personal information personal and don't divulge it unless absolutely necessary. If possible, switch to online bill paying, which can reduce the likelihood that your "snail mail" billing statements could be stolen. Monitor your monthly bills and keep up to date with your accounts. If you see anything awry, speak up immediately. Please read how to protect yourself from identity theft on the following page.
