identity theft: Loan Scam Red Flags for Homeowners
- 10/29/13 02:40 AM
Identity theft is a growing problem and remains the number one consumer complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission. As a result, more homeowners are at risk for loan scams. Now a days, many homeowners know that scams exist and that they need to protect themselves, but they aren’t sure how. All homeowners should watch out for these red flags for home loan and mortgage loan scams. 1. Being asked for a payment upfront. Scammers want to get paid without performing the service they’ve promised, so homeowners need to keep their guard up when receiving loan counseling. And scammers … (5 comments)
identity theft: Child Identity Theft and Tax Fraud: The Facts
- 04/18/12 03:53 AM
You and your clients just turned in your tax returns. What a relief! However, something may be wrong if your return is not accepted. This could mean that you have fallen victim to identity theft. But identity theft no longer applies solely to adults- it can happen to children as well. Identity thieves can get a hold of your children’s Social Security numbers and claim them on their tax returns. The IRS will send you a notice referring to one of these things: • More than one tax return was filed in your name. • Your children were already claimed as … (0 comments)
identity theft: What to Do If Your Child Is a Victim of Identity Theft
- 04/02/12 07:23 AM
Children's identity theft is on the rise. Not only is it an attractive target for identity thieves but it also is hard to detect when a theft has occurred. With adults, you would notice if your credit was affected so you can check to see if a theft was made but when you assume your child has no credit, you wouldn't think to check. On today's Equifax finance blog, blogger Peter Schoenrock exlplains against the dangers of identity theft to children and informs you what to do if your child has fallen victim. Some warning signs that your child's identity … (0 comments)
identity theft: Children and Identity Theft
- 03/27/12 05:39 AM
Children may not be the first thing you think of when you think of identity theft but in today's Equifax Finance blog, expert Peter Schroenrock reveals that children might be 51 times more likely to be victim to identity theft. Without the same credity history as an adult, you might ask yourself what kind of personal information might be a target for identity theft? Social security number Address and phone number Student ID number Email address Medical ID number Health insurance ID number Bank account numbers How can you protect your children from identity theft? There isn't much legislation out … (4 comments)
identity theft: Credit Reports and Identity Theft: When to Lock
- 02/07/12 04:35 AM
As technology becomes more accessible, so does our personal information. How can you avoid identity theft? On today's Equifax finance blog, a post gives you another option for limiting access to your personal records. Unlike security freezes and fraud alerts, you can limit who views your credit report by putting a lock on it.
A security lock can be valuable because you can keep it in place or lift it at will. Naturally if you need someone to view it for applying for a loan, refinancing your mortgage, setting up new utility accounts and opening a new credit card, you … (2 comments)
identity theft: 4 Steps to Take If You Are the Victim of a Data Breach
- 08/08/11 09:12 AM
Recent hacking scandals have placed new focus on online security. So what should you do if you think your account has been breached? The experts at the Equifax personal finance blog have written a post today on the four steps you should take if you're the victim of a data breach. Of course, not every data breach means you'll be the victim of identity theft, but it's important to act quickly if you think your security has been compromised. Here's what the experts recommend: Place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports. Close your affected accounts. Monitor your … (3 comments)
identity theft: Avoid Identity Theft
- 10/11/10 05:34 AM
Your personal information is valuable, particularly to would-be thieves. Learn how to protect yourself and your personal information.
You lock your door when you leave your house; you hold your purse tightly on a busy street. You probably ask the neighbors to pick up your newspapers when you’re out of town.We all have certain habits to protect our personal possessions and avoid theft, but what about everyday practices to protect against identity theft? Follow these best practices and get in the habit of protecting your personal information to avoid identity theft: Don’t carry more credit cards than you need. Shred … (3 comments)
identity theft: Security Freezes, Credit, Identity Theft, and Fraud
- 08/30/10 09:49 AM
FAQ: What is a security freeze? A security freeze prevents your credit report from being shared with most third parties. It can be a helpful tool to fight identity theft and fraud, because it prevents access to your credit.You have the right to place a security freeze on your Equifax credit file under state law or the Equifax voluntary security freeze program. Only you can request that a security freeze be placed on your Equifax credit file, and only you can request that it be removed or temporarily lifted. A security freeze will remain on your Equifax credit file until you … (0 comments)
identity theft: What is a Fraud Alert and How Does it Affect Your Credit?
- 06/21/10 04:34 AM
It can happen to anybody, but you never really think it will happen to you. A few weeks ago, I was on a business trip in Washington D.C. when my luggage was stolen out of the back of a cab. I had to deal with the massive headache of getting new clothes and toiletries, but I also had to worry about possible identity theft and fraud. My wallet and credit cards were with me in my purse, but I had stuck a bank statement and a credit card bill in my suitcase at the last minute, planning to pay my … (0 comments)
identity theft: How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
- 06/17/10 04:25 AM
Whenever you pull your credit report, you should check the accuracy of the information within it. You check your credit report at least once a year (you can obtain your annual, free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com), but you might also want to check your file before you apply for new credit. If you know what information appears on your credit report, you can determine whether there are inaccuracies and dispute them before you seek new credit. Any inaccurate information on your credit file can impact your score. If you have been a victim of fraud, or if a creditor incorrectly reports … (2 comments)
identity theft: Identity Theft Possible With HUD Home Sale
- 04/19/10 04:46 AM
Identity theft scams are taking the form of HUD home sales. Don't let the promise of a great deal on HUD home lure you into falling for ID theft. Even with a HUD home, which is just a home with an FHA loan that has gone into foreclosure, you still need to perform your due diligence as a home buyer. Use a real estate agent who is licensed to sell FHA loans and have a real estate attorney check on the validity of the sale and the real estate agent. As always, be very careful of giving your Social Security number … (0 comments)
identity theft: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Identity Theft? (With Video)
- 05/31/09 10:46 AM
The average identity theft case takes 26 hours to resolve, but you may be dealing with the effects of identity theft for several years. If someone has used your social security number or other personal information to create a synthetic or false identity, chances are they have used your personal information to create multiple identities. A sophisticated identity thief may have created a very messy situation that could take you a very long time to unravel. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video to learn how to protect yourself and your personal information. … (0 comments)
identity theft: Identity Theft and Credit History Damage (With Video!)
- 04/25/09 06:59 AM
Identity theft can happen when your personal information is stolen to open up new lines of credit. Identity thieves commonly use your name, address, social security number and mother's maiden name to create fake identities. Eventually, you will be held responsible for these accounts that you didn't know existed. The long-term damage to your credit history from identity theft can be more damaging than the short-term effects. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video on Identity Theft for more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft. … (0 comments)
identity theft: ID Thieves Carry Out Voter Registration Scams
- 08/18/08 03:10 AM
As we get closer to the 2008 presidential election, a variety of organizations may be working to register more voters. But be careful because identity thieves have started posing as voter registration campaigners, according to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. These identity thieves may promise to register you to vote and ask you for personal information such as your Social Security number or financial information and then turn around and use it to steal your identity. How do scammers contact you? Through unsolicited e-mails and phone calls. And some really brazen ones will try in person, … (0 comments)
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