How to Combat and Recover From Identity Theft
There’s a lot to consider when protecting yourself from identity theft. But what if you or someone you know has already experienced identity theft? Is there any hope to bounce back? We say, “Absolutely.” In this short video, LifeLock Identity Education expert Paige Hanson tackles how to combat & recover from identity theft.
The Video
The Threat of Identity Theft
Identity theft can stop someone dead in their tracks and cause a pit in their stomach, and for good reason. A stolen identity can wreak all kinds of havoc on an individual’s life. Even a 2017 FICO survey cited identity theft as a top security concern for US consumers. At 44%, identity theft was consumers’ highest concern, more than fear of death and fear of a terrorist attack combined.
Identity theft was consumers’ highest concern, more than fear of death and fear of a terrorist attack combined.
This is why it is so important to stay vigilant in an increasingly vulnerable world of information.
What if I’m a Victim of Identity Theft?
Whether it’s credit card fraud or someone opening a line of credit in your name, face it head-on. With something like credit card fraud, Paige encourages consumers to contact their bank. These situations can be resolved reasonably simply.
Whether it’s credit card fraud or someone opening a line of credit in your name, face it head on.
But if someone opens a line of credit in your name for a new account or mortgage, that can be more daunting. It means the identity thief had enough information to impersonate you. In this case, you want to file a police report. Then, file an identity theft affidavit form from the FTC. Paige notes this could even take up to a year as you have to prove yourself innocent.
How Can I Protect Myself from Identity Theft?
Great question, here are some of Paige’s simple steps:
First, every consumer should look at their credit report once a year to ensure all activity is yours. Check out this secure site directed by Federal law to provide your annual credit report. And due to COVID-19, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all offering free weekly online reports through April 2021. When you’re checking these, ensure no new lines of credit are opened in your name.
First, every consumer should look at their credit report once a year to ensure all activity is yours.
Next, make sure you’re keeping all your information secure. Paige’s video on protecting your identity and cybersecurity is full of tips to keep your online information safe.
Anyone who has a name, social security number, and birthday is at risk for identity theft. So make sure your information is secure. Paige notes that we all need to stay on top of the latest bills to protect our privacy.
“We, as consumers, need to stay on top of the latest bills and things on the ballots that might protect our privacy. It’s important for us to be more involved because that is how changes are going to be made.” – Paige Hanson
What Next?
We hope this video was informative and will help keep you and your loved ones safe. We’ve still got one more video in our Identity Protection Series. Subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss out!
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the series, starting with fraud alerts and credit freezes, then your identity and cybersecurity, and protecting yourself from cyber attacks.
If you’ve enjoyed this video, check out our helpful Identity Protection Video Series resource, featuring over 25 unique resources! You’ll be able to watch all the videos again in one place and download them. Feel free to use this for employee training at your business’s next meeting as well. Click below for the ultimate resource for business owners who value their identity protection.
