Identity Theft – What You Need to Know

Easter is coming soon and I’m here to deliver your first gift of the season. It may not be wrapped with pretty ribbons and bows, but it is a gift that keeps on giving. Knowledge to help you protect yourself.

Identity theft is an overwhelming problem.

To help protect consumers, a federal law was enacted in December, 2003 which gave consumers the right to get one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three national consumer reporting companies.

Athough you may request all three reports at once (and there may be an advantage in doing so), I suggest that you monitor your credit report on a regular basis by requesting only one report at a time, and spacing your request over a period of four months. For example, order a report from Experian in January, Equifax in May, and TransUnion in September. Great idea, right? But here is another case where information is not knowledge.

How do you know you are ordering your free credit report from the right source?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there are over 130 imposter sites. Using a search engine and typing “free credit report” or “free credit check” or “free credit rating”, may have actually led you to a site which charges a fee for its services and you may not even be aware of it.

The FTC settled a lawsuit against Consumerinfo.com over the “free credit report” promotion it advertised on television, radio and the Internet, including its websites freecreditreport.com and consumerinfo.com. Click here to read the full article.

There is only one official online source to check your credit reports. Learn about the correct process for requesting your free reports by visiting this page on the FTC website. A direct link to the authorized website, AnnualCreditReport.com is provided by the Federal Trade Commission where you can request your free reports.

Tired of all the prescreened solicitations for insurance or credit cards? Still receiving unsolicited phone calls? The FTC site provides information about both of these. End telemarketing calls and opt out of pre-screened credit card solicitations.  Just say no! There is a wealth of information to help guide you in making the right decisions, for you.

Enjoy the holidays. And be safe!

Are you dealing with identity theft of another kind?

Perhaps you are on a journey of self-discovery, wondering who you are and what you want now that you have entered a new chapter in life. We invite you to visit us at The Swan Network. Participate in the Swan Spa Forum.

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