Identity Theft & Avoiding Scams

Best tip to avoid many identity theft problems
If you are not planning on opening new sources of credit or obtaining new credit cards place a credit freeze on your account with the three main credit agencies listed below. This will prevent the identity thief from obtaining new credit  in your name.

Identity theft and scams that target older Americans are much more common than those against younger Americans. According to a survey by the Investor Protection Trust, one out of every 5 citizens over the age of 65 has been the victim of a financial scam, and according to the Better Business Bureau 10% of the U.S. population fall victim to consumer scams annually. This information is intended to assist those who have been scammed as well as to provide information and resources to help you avoid being scammed in the future.

First the obvious: If you have been scammed or are a victim of credit-card fraud, notify all credit card companies and tell them to issue you a new card. Place a credit-card freeze on your account with the three main credit agencies. You must also remember to place a credit freeze on the account of deceased persons. If you fail to freeze their credit a thief can steal their identity and apply for credit in that person's name. The companies and their contact numbers are Equifax, 800-525-6285; Experian, 888-397-3742 and Trans Union, 800-680-7289. 

For more resources go to http://www.retiredbrains.com/identity-theft-scams where you will find information on:

·  Identity Theft & Scams

·  Fraud and Scams

·  Common Scams

·  How Identity Theft Occurs

·  If You Are a Victim

·  Background Check

·  Check Your Credit

·  Identity Theft Report

·  Credit Counseling Scams

·  Craigslist Scams   

To read a MarketWatch article on avoiding scams and getting help if you are scammed go to: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/avoiding-scamsand-getting-help-if-youre-scammed-2013-02-27?pagenumber=1