The best time to employ identity theft help is before it is actually needed. This crime affects millions of Americans each year. Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information and uses it to commit some type of fraudulent activity. Part of the problem with identity theft is that the attack can take so many forms. Often, personal information is used to make unauthorized charges to a credit card account. At times, the stolen information enables the thief to open new charge accounts, utility accounts or even to rent an apartment or apply for a loan, all on someone else’s credit. Instances of mail fraud and unauthorized Internet transactions may also belong to this arena.

Most activity which may require identity theft help is strictly of a monetary nature. The thief uses someone else’s credit to obtain some sort of financial gain. Occasionally, however, a thief may use personal information to hijack the credit for a victim’s accomplishments, such as a sports or intellectual award, or a reputation in a certain field of endeavor. Some thieves obtain a person’s employment history through applications submitted in response to bogus job offers, and use this information towards other ends.

One of the most frustrating aspects of this type of theft is that the victim often does not realize that his or her information has been taken until a flood of bills arrives for items which he or she never purchased, or irate creditors and collections agencies begin calling. Some unfortunate individuals have even been arrested for crimes they never committed, because the offender gave convincing personal information during a police booking and then jumped bail, leaving the innocent party to deal with a warrant calling for his or her arrest! At this point the victim is in great need of identity theft help, for he is trying to prove a negative — that is, trying to prove that he did not do something, which can be extremely difficult to accomplish.

Fortunately, there are some things which a person can do to get identity theft help. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers identity theft help to consumers through its website and various pamphlets dealing with the subject. These give details of how victims can begin to deal with this unsettling situation and get back a sense of control over their financial lives again. There is also plenty of good advice which can be found during an Internet search regarding how to do one’s best to avoid this distressing situation in the first place.

Many people who are in need of identity theft help do not know for sure just how their personal information was obtained in the first place. If a purse or wallet has been stolen, that is one thing. Credit card companies can be notified, accounts can be quickly closed, and appropriate agencies notified. However, some people do not have any idea how their information was stolen. This may seem strange, but part of the reason for this is that there are many avenues of opportunity for the would-be thief. Some obtain personal information by looking through discarded trash. Old receipts can provide a wealth of information, or at least bolster a thief’s knowledge of the victim’s identity. Therefore, always shred items which contain such information. Sometimes thieves literally look over the shoulders of victims to gather information, or else collect it more indirectly through machines which copy credit card information. Collections of personal materials may be hacked into by Internet thieves, or obtained though bribery of people who work in sensitive positions.

Identity theft may seem almost impossible to totally prevent, but some measure of control can be gained by being diligent with personal information. Keeping close control of credit cards and using passwords with a series of letters, numbers and characters (which do not fall into the usual categories of using birthdates, maiden names or words commonly found in dictionaries) can help prevent hackers from using computer programs to easily uncover them. Be proactive by checking credit reports from the three major reporting agencies on a regular basis. A free copy of the credit report is available once a year. Each agency may report slightly different information, so it is good to check all three for any errors. Correct any errors promptly. Deposit outgoing mail into collection boxes (making sure it falls beyond reach) or even better, bring materials directly inside the post office. Collect incoming mail as soon as possible, and do not leave items to pile up when going away overnight on trips.

Some people make use of service companies which work to ensure that personal information is protected as much as possible. Many of the services which are offered may be available for free if consumers are willing to perform them themselves. These include setting a fraud alert, obtaining free credit reports, and removing themselves from prescreened credit card offers or public mailing lists. Military personnel can set into motion active duty alerts, which require creditors to take steps to check an applicant’s identity before granting credit. These alerts remain in place for a year and may be renewed if necessary.

Give immediate attention to any suspicious activity, such as billing statements which do not arrive in a timely manner, or calls or billing statements regarding purchases which were not made by the owner of the account. Also, regularly monitor financial accounts. Despite exerting great effort, if an individual gets into a situation where he or she requires identity theft help, call and write to creditors immediately about the disputed charges. It may be necessary to close affected accounts. Keep written records of conversations with creditors, including the names of contact persons and the steps which were taken to resolve the problem. Report identity theft to the police and the FTC. An Identity theft affidavit may be obtained to help support your position. The Federal Trade Commission has resources an individual may request for help. As Proverbs 24:6 states, “…for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisors.” Take advantage of resources designed to offer identity theft help.

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