History Of Identity Theft

How Life Lock Protection Removes The Worry Of Identity Theft

LifeLock“>Despite identity theft being the fastest growing crime in the world we can still expect around 10 million Americans to fall victim this year alone and at a collective cost of $50 billion. It’s not all doom and gloom though thanks to the media highlighting the problem over the last few years many people are taking important steps to guard against identity theft.

Life Lock protection recently passed the 1 millionth sign up and sales of household shredders are on the increase so the message is certainly getting home. What’s in store for those 10 million as yet unaware though? A ruined reputation thanks to loan companies placing black marks on their credit file so their credit rating sinks without a trace. Plus the cost of time off work chasing up loan and credit card companies, bank managers and credit bureaus etc.

There are so many myths about identity theft flying around that for people who fall victim without Life Lock protection, it’s a major problem trying to work out what to do to get their life back in order. Here are just a few of those myths here:

* Identity theft is committed by organized crime or con artists in North Africa using their computer.

Although all the papers and news stories concentrate on identity theft cases involving online con’s, it is a sad fact that you are much more likely to have your identity stolen by someone you have either known or still know well such as a room mate, work mate, friend or even a close relative than you are online by a stranger.

* You can only ask for a fraud alert if you have proof of an identity theft crime or attempt.

Again not true. Government legislation says you only need be concerned or worried enough to place a fraud alert. Unfortunately the credit bureaus don’t like fraud alerts because of the extra work it causes them. They insist you have to renew a fraud alert every 3 months but you receive no reminders in the hope you will forget and let it slip. People under Life Lock protection don’t have to worry about this as they take care of the applications and renewals for you.

* I’m not old enough to worry about it and besides, it’s only senior citizens that are targeted by identity theft criminals.

Most identity theft victims are aged between 20 and 40. This age group tend to be more affluent and less careful with their money so are an easy target. Luckily this age group is also now getting wise to the risk and makes up a large part of the 1 million plus consumers now signed up with Life Lock protection.

* So what if someone does steal my identity? I don’t have to pay any credit card debts or bills a criminal ran up in my name.

You are held responsible if you do not discover and report the identity theft early enough so you need to monitor your credit all the time. Customers with Life Lock protection have the peace of mind of knowing that should someone manage to get past the Life Lock defences and buy something on credit in their name, they will be aware of it almost instantly and so will not be liable for any charges.

* The best place for my social security card is tucked away in my purse or wallet.

A recent Sun Life Financial survey found that 40% of Americans questioned had their social security number with them in their purse or wallet. Purses and wallets can be lost or stolen and your social security card should either be left in a secure pace at home or better still, memorized. When was the last time you were asked for your social security number during a normal day out and about? Although Todd Davis gives out his social security number to promote his company, remember he has Life Lock protection monitoring his Social Security number.

* No one can access my credit report except unauthorized persons.

All that is required to access a persons credit history is a name and address and their social security number.

The above are just a few of the myths doing the rounds. For a more indepth look at the facts about identity theft I recommend you click here for a free ebook that explains all you need to know.

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