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April 02, 2007

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While identity theft is a big issue these days, it's not worth living a life of fear. Take some simple precautions and go from there.

It's good to be reminded about it though.

-limeade
http://fiscalmusings.blogspot.com

"4. What? You mean a pin of "1234" isn't good enough? ;-)"

Nah. Everyone knows you're supposed to use the last four digits of your SSN...

BTW, the Federal Trade commision reported that over %90 of the reported identity theft could not have been prevented. I don't know if you're talking about just credit related, or also other kinds of ID theft like criminal, drivers license, medical, and your social security.

The USA article refers to a tool called "credit freeze." It's also known as a "security freeze."

Consider placing a security freeze on your consumer credit reporting files to make it hard for thieves and scammers to use your information to open new accounts, like new credit cards in your name.

A security freeze is a powerful identity theft prevention tool for individuals. It enables consumers to take a step that will stop the opening of false new accounts which require a credit check unless the consumer has expressly authorized a potential creditor to check the consumer’s credit report or credit score. Without a credit report or credit score a business usually will not open a new account. As of today, 34 states and the District of Columbia have enacted security freeze laws. Check Consumer Union’s list to see if your state is one of them and on how to place a security freeze.
http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/financialprivacynow/2006/09/freeze_identity_thieves_out_of_1.html

Check out also Consumers Union’s "Identity Theft: Tips for Consumers" for a list of additional actions to reduce your chances of becoming a future victim of ID theft.
http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/financialprivacynow/2006/11/identity_theft_tips_for_consum.html

Amy
www.financialprivacynow.org
A Project of Consumers Union

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