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Against the Grain

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   WHAT'S IN A NAME?
 

To most people it means everything.  That is why it is so important to incorporate some simple prevention methods in your life to prevent identity assumption fraud.  Consider for a moment the possibility of an impostor using your personal identifiers to purchase a vehicle, open new credit card accounts or even to commit crimes.  The favorable image, reputation, credit history and criminal history you strive to maintain could be tarnished virtually overnight.

To make things worse, identity assumption thieves can be very convincing.  Creditors, among others, may challenge the validity of your fraud claims or be convinced into thinking that you are in fact the impostor.  In addition, many tedious hours will be spent repairing the damage that has been done.

                                      The following are a few prevention tips:
 

• Add a consumer statement to your credit bureau report requesting that creditors contact you at a specific phone number for verification.
• Request a copy of your credit bureau report annually to verify all trade lines and inquiries.
• Add a password to your credit card accounts which requires verification upon any phone inquiry.
• Close credit card accounts you don't need/use.  They love to hit dormant accounts first.
• Do not carry your Social Security card or number in your wallet.
• Limit what you contain in your organizer.  These are a dream come true for thieves.
• Shred, black out or burn papers you are discarding with credit card numbers or personal identifiers.
• Avoid using your Social Security number as your driver's license number.
• Limit the amount of information printed on your personal checks.
• Go with your gut feeling.  Be selective with whom you give personal information to.

(This article was contributed by a licensed, private investigator)