Check Fraud Identity Theft
Identity fraud used to establish new accounts could take months to surface. This insures that your liability is minimal if you should become a victim of identity theft. Big companies like eBay and Paypal actively pursue these scam artists. One of the most important steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of the rising tide of identity fraud. Finally, always make sure you know what your identity theft protection is with your credit card companies and bank. NEVER leave mail for pickup in your mailbox and try to avoid drive by mail boxes. Instead, keep it in a safe location at home. Most offer free identity theft protection; some charge a small annual fee. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Another safeguard is to go paperless. Buy a shredder at a local office supply company; they are not very expensive. Another fast-growing source of identity fraud information is a scam in which the victim receives a letter or "work from home" job offer through the internet, from someone purporting to need someone in your area to help them distribute money on their business transactions. If you're not home to pick up your mail as soon as it is delivered, considering putting a lock on your mailbox or installing a letter slot. Never give your social security number to anyone unless it is for a transaction at your request and you trust the institution requesting the information. .Identity Fraud: How It Happens. Often the first time victims become aware of these new accounts is when they get collection notices, often for thousands upon thousands of dollars. Type the URL in your browser window and log in. The average dollar loss per victim doubled over that of the year 2005. Report any discrepancies immediately. Then send the suspected email to the company. They ask that you send your bank account information so the money will be deposited directly into your account. Often statements have extra papers that have no meaningful information, or credit card companies send you unsolicted
