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Identity Theft

These articles look at what identity theft is, how it can be prevented, and what to do if you think you have become a victim.
What Is Identity Theft?
For those who have been victims of identity theft, there is nothing at all humorous about the experience.
If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
You can spend years and a lot of money to clean up the mess from having your identity stolen. Here are the first steps that you need to take, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
ID Theft: Get Copies of Your Credit Reports
If you have been a victim of identity theft, the first thing you need to do is obtain a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus.
Your Wallet: Too Much Information?
The repercussions of losing your wallet can be a disaster for you – but a field day for an identity thief. Avoid being a victim by following these simple preventive steps.
When should I provide my Social Security number?
With the rise of identity theft, giving your Social Security number out can be as risky as giving a stranger an signed blank check. Here are answers to what to do when asked for this most important number.
Identity Theft at the Workplace
Safe information handling practices are the key to keeping identifying information out of the hands of thieves. These are some of the questions that must be asked.
Workplace Identity Theft
Frequently asked questions regarding company policies that may put you at risk for identity theft and suggestions on what to do prevent it from happening.
New Law Stiffens Penalties for Identity Theft
The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act which increases existing penalties for the crime of identity theft, establishes aggravated identity theft as a criminal offense, and establishes mandatory penalties for aggravated identity theft.
Prevent Identity Theft From Happening to You
Identity theft or identity fraud, the fastest growing crime in the United States, is the taking of a victim's identity for financial gain or to conceal the real identity of the perpetrator.
Avoiding Identity Theft Through Job Bank Fraud
Job banks open the doors to con artists to victimize more job seekers than ever before.
Student Privacy and Identity Theft
Why is it so important for businesses and institutions to take responsibility for protecting the data we entrust to them? Just ask Ben Brummett, a victim of identity theft.
Do I Need Identity Theft Insurance?
Identity theft insurance will help you recoup some of the costs associated with trying to reclaim your good name, but that is about it, says Guide Brian Koerner.
Skimming
Skimming is a high-tech method by which thieves capture your personal or account information from your credit card, drivers license, or even passport.
Protecting Your Identity
Guide Brian Koerner provides 10 basic, yet very effective, things that you can do to protect your identity.

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