Steps of Identity Theft Prevention

An identity theft prevention service will take immediate steps to begin protecting your identity. Here is what the process entails.

1. Free fraud alerts are set on your behalf. The first thing your identity theft prevention service will do is contact the credit bureaus to set fraud alerts on your behalf. Typically, the company will do this through an automated process within an hour of your becoming a client. Sometimes, fraud alerts must be set manually, in which case the company will take care of it and notify you immediately. Fraud alerts are one of the best preventive measures against identity theft.
2. Fraud alerts are reset every 90 days. Until you tell them otherwise, your identity theft prevention service will renew the fraud alerts every 90 days. This will continue to force anyone who wants to do anything with your credit to notify you first. For example, if someone tried to apply for a credit card in your name, the creditor must contact you at the phone number listed on your credit report before proceeding with the application. This can helps stop identity theft before it ever happens.
3. Say goodbye to junk mail. As you probably know, junk mail is a primary target for identity thieves. Credit card pre-approval offers and other junk mail can easily fall into the wrong hands. To prevent this, your identity theft protection service will request to have your name removed from junk mail lists. Within a couple weeks, you should see a drastic reduction in the amount of junk mail and pre-approval offers you receive. Not only is this safer, but it also saves you the time and hassle of having to shred such documents.

4. Free credit reports ordered. As a courtesy to you, your identity theft prevention service will automatically order and have directly sent to you your free annual credit reports. That way, you can stay apprised of any changes or signs of identity theft in your credit report.
5. Lost or stolen wallet assistance. If your wallet is lost or stolen, your identity theft prevention company will help you notify your creditors, cancel your accounts, and order new documentation and cards. The company can help you get new credit cards, checks, social security cards, driver's licenses, etc.
6. The security of a $1,000,000 service guarantee. In the event that you become a victim of identity theft while you are a client, your company will reimburse you for your losses of up to $1,000,000. They will pay for any professional services you require as a result of the crime, such as lawyers, accountants, case managers, etc.

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