Three Steps to Identity Theft
If someone attempts to steal my identity they will do at least these three things. They will:
- Get my Social Security Number
- Change my mailing address to their address
- Apply for a new credit card or loan with my name
Closely Track New Credit Applications
If the Thief has gotten my social security number and applied for new credit this will show up on my credit history. By closely tracking the credit applications made with my SS number I will know right away if my Identity is being stolen.
Credit Karma Monitoring is Free
With Credit Karma monitoring, any time new credit is applied for Credit Karma emails me with a notification. I check my credit and my email regularly.
My Stolen Credit Card Monitoring
If the thief has stolen my credit card number and used it I will get an email from my credit card company that my card was used. I have my credit cards set up so any charge creates an email to me.
You can setup a separate email account just for credit card purchase emails if you wanted. I just use my regular email account. I have between 5 and 10 credit card transactions a week which is not a big deal in my email. Daily I am checking my email. This is how I track if one of my Credit Cards has been stolen.
Freezing Your Credit
Another option to thwart Identity Theft, which I have not used, is freezing your credit. It is simple to freeze your Credit. Contact all three of the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and have your credit Frozen. This eliminates a thief from applying for credit without unfreezing my credit first.
Master Shredding
Your trash often has tons of your financial and personal information in it. Shredders are cheap and will keep thieves from using your trash to steal your identity.Are you Unlucky this year?
If you know 100 people, odds are one of them will have their Identity stolen this year.
Monitor your credit applications and your credit card usage to catch your identity being stolen before it creates huge havoc in your life.
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