In Today’s World, It’s Not A Matter of If, But When You’ll Be Impacted By Identity Theft.

Not only do we have coverage for ID Theft, here are 7 tips you can easily do to prevent Identity Theft.

Every two seconds there’s a new victim of identity fraud*.  We can provide our customers with the protection needed from ID Theft with LifeStages Identity Management Services. This is a personalized service that provides proactive education, risk-reduction strategies, identity theft protection, privacy management, and unlimited 24/7 resolution support to help fight identity theft and fraud.  This is more than just detection and reactive monitoring. It is help when you need it to restore your good name.

EC Cooper offers enhancement endorsements to provide you with the best coverage for ID Theft.  Contact us for further details.

Here are 7 tips to prevent ID Theft and save you some time and aggravation.

1. Protect your Social Security Number.

   Your Social Security number is a master key to your personal data. Don’t carry your SSN card in your wallet or write it on your checks. Only share your SSN when absolutely necessary.

2. Freeze or Lock your Credit Reports.

   Contact the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian & TransUnion) to request a freeze of your credit reports. This restricts access to your credit so new credit accounts cannot be created or opened unless you unfreeze your account. Locking your credit accounts are generally easier than freezing, but the protection is not as strong. All three credit agencies offer a smartphone app to lock and unlock your credit.

3. Passwords are your friend.

   Do not use the same password across multiple accounts, especially with your financial accounts and non-financial accounts. Keep the password complex and not easily guessed. It’s not hard to find your pet’s name or mother’s maiden name.

4. Monitor your regular mail.

   Stolen mail is one of the easiest ways to have your identity stolen. Collect your mail promptly. If you are away from home for more then several days, place a postal hold on your mail.

5. A shredder is an ally.

   Any mail or forms printed from your computer that have any personal information should be destroyed. This includes junk mail, and especially credit card offers.

6. Stop the offers.

   Stop a majority of pre-approved credit card offers. They make a tempting target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian & TransUnion) marketing list. Call toll-free 1-888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688). Or opt out online at optoutprescreen.com.

7. Review your credit reports on a yearly basis.

   One of the best ways to protect against identity theft is to monitor your credit history. You are entitled to a free credit report each year from each of the credit reporting bureaus. You can order for free from com, 1-877-322-8228, or by mail. The New York State Attorney General’s Office has a short checklist on checking your credit reports.

We can help you, but protection starts at home.

*SOURCE: Javelin Strategy & Research, 2014 Identity Fraud Study.

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