Protect Yourself against Identity Theft

Identity theft is an all-too-real modern day phenomenon. How do you protect your good name? As shared by Curt Anderson of First Busey Securities (Member NASD/SIPC) on The Morning Show. COMMON TYPES OF IDENTITY THEFT -Credit card accounts -Cell phone accounts -Passing bad checks or opening a fradulent checking accounts -Getting loans in another person`s name -Working in another person`s name AVOIDING IDENTITY THEFT -Look at bank and credit card statements -Do not give personal information over the phone -Cancel credit cards you don`t use -Don`t put outgoing mail in your mailbox -Don`t put your social security or driver`s license numbers on your checks WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU ARE A VICTIM? -Report the theft to the three major credit bureaus` fraud centers -Close all accounts that have been fraudulently accessed -File a report with police 27 JANUARY 2004