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identity theft Archives - Sharkey, Howes & Javer

Nov 07 2016
194

3 Steps to Take Immediately After You Discover Your Identity was Stolen

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Identity theft is much more common than any of us would like to think. In 2014, 32 data records were lost or stolen every second! (source)

We have written about how to protect yourself in the past and recommend reading it again if it’s been a while. That said, sometimes no amount of protection can completely prevent identity theft.

Here are the first 3 things you should do if you suspect your identity has been stolen:

Lock down Your Account(s)

No matter how you discover your stolen identity, through a phone call from your bank or a database breach, the very first thing you need to do is lock down your problem account(s). Contact your financial institution and ask to either lock or close the account. You can usually roll the funds into another account or create a new one.

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Jul 07 2015
188

Identity Theft: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself

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Sharkey Howes Javer Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft has been in the news often over the past few years. So often, in fact, it is easy to think of it as a problem that only happens to other people. The unfortunate reality is identity theft continues to hurt thousands of Americans every year, ruining credit scores, jeopardizing careers and creating nightmares for victims trying to put their lives back on track.(source) Identity thieves try to steal information in many ways. Hacking, phishing or stealing smartphones, laptops and mail are all ways a thief can access your personal data.

Guard Your Personal Information

The first step to protecting yourself from becoming the next victim is guarding that personal information. Identity thieves can get virtually anyone’s address, birthdate and name easily. The thing that can harm you the most if it falls into the wrong hands is your Social Security number. Keep your Social Security card somewhere secure like a safe; do not carry it with you in your wallet or purse. Be extremely wary of any website that asks for your Social Security number. (source)

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