What is Identity Fraud?
Identity theft is defined as the process of using someone else's
personal information for personal gain - whether financial or
non-financial. Identity theft can happen to anyone, and it can come
in all shapes and sizes. According to the Federal Trade Commission,
there are more than 30 types of identity theft affecting millions of
Americans each year.
How does Identity Fraud Occur?
Identity Fraud can often be linked to a data breach incident, a home
burglary in which personal information is stolen, or a lost wallet
or purse that contains bank account information and credit cards.
But sometimes victims are completely unaware that their information
was targeted by thieves until they see suspicious activity on their
credit report, receive calls from a collection agency, or are denied
when they apply for a loan or for credit. Some examples of identity
fraud that can happen to you include:
-
Your personal or business checks or credit card numbers are stolen
and used to make online purchases.
- A thief impersonates you to open a loan in your name.
- A felon commits a crime and pretends to be you when caught.
-
Someone uses your personal information to apply for a job and
begins working using your identity.
What should you do if you suspect Identity Fraud?
Don't panic! If you suspect fraud - even if it hasn't yet been
confirmed - contact a FraudArmor Resolution Specialist immediately
at 1-866-923-0452.
A certified Resolution Specialist will assist you with any questions
or concerns about potential or suspected fraud. In the event of an
identity theft or fraud, the Resolution Specialist will perform
assisted or fully managed restoration services for as long as it
takes to resolve the issue.
How Does Internet Monitoring Work?
Internet monitoring is a proactive daily monitoring service that
identifies when your personal information shows up on the Internet's
black market. You can register up to 16 unique pieces of personal or
business information for monitoring, and our powerful web crawler
will search black market chat rooms, hacker forums, and bulletin
boards where criminals buy and sell sensitive consumer information
that can be used to commit identity fraud.
You will receive an email alert when any suspicious activity is
detected. Sign in to your online Account at
www.Fraud-Armor.com to view
details of each alert, and if fraud is suspected, call a Resolution
Specialist for assistance. This proactive service can help to
mitigate the impact of identity theft and to identify the
information at risk.
What is the Lost Document and Lost Wallet Replacement Service?
Protect yourself from the unexpected loss of your critical
information and documents commonly carried in your purse or wallet.
Your dedicated Resolution Specialist will work with you to cancel
and replace credit cards and help you deal with the loss of other
documents such as licenses, passports, personal bank accounts, and
government-issued documents.
Check Fraud Tips
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Make sure your checks incorporate the standard security features
that help combat counterfeiting and fraud. These features include:
-
Chemically sensitive paper that will prevent the written
information on your check from being altered by chemicals.
-
The padlock icon which is your assurance that security
enhancements are being used in accordance with Check Payment
Systems Association (CPSA) guidelines.
-
The MP Signature Line which indicates the presence of microprint
to identify improper photocopying of the check.
-
The check backer design that helps deter improper photocopying
and reproduction of the reverse side of the check.
-
Store your checks, deposit slips, and bank statements in a secure
and locked area. Never leave your checkbook in vehicle or out in
the open.
-
Reconcile your bank statements within 30 days of receipt of the
statement.
-
Never give your account number to anyone you do not know over the
phone or web.
-
Shred any old canceled checks, deposits slips, or account
statements if you no longer need them for tax purposes.
-
Inspect your new check order when it is received to ensure that
all the checks are present. If not, contact your check provider
immediately.
-
Never put your Social Security number or driver's license number
on your printed checks.
-
Do not leave blank spaces on your check in the payee or amount
lines.
-
Never endorse a check until you are ready to cash or deposit it.
- Never make a check payable to cash.
Some interesting facts about Identity Theft
In 2011, over 11 million Americans were victims of identity theft.
That translates to 30,000 victims per day or 20 victims every single
minute!) Source:
Javelin, Inc. Strategy & Research 2012 Identity Fraud Survey
Report.)
Less than one third of all identity theft is financial fraud. That
means that about two thirds of all identity theft has nothing to do
with financial accounts. Non-financial fraud includes employment
fraud, medical records fraud, government documents fraud, internet
fraud, and more.