The fact is that right now someone has a plan to steal your identity and leave you saddled with bills and trashed credit. Granted, they might not know who you are but if they can get their hands on your personal information, you will suffice. What you need is your own identity protection plan.

So then why are so many people not recognizing the seriousness of the problem? Why isn’t everyone scrambling to set up their own identity protection plan? The simple answer to those two questions, is that there are several reasons for their leaving themselves wide open.

For one thing, in many cases people have been led to believe that the police are out there to protect them. They pay their taxes and have watched their local police department balloon in size. Surely with so much police protection out there, the criminals must be wary?

They’re not! In fact if you don’t have an identity protection plan in place, stealing your identity is about as close a crook can get to committing the perfect crime. In fact if you’re vulnerable enough, your stolen identity can be resold on the black market after the initial thief has finished up with you.

For the most part, police agencies and that includes your local sheriffs department, just don’t have the resources to spend trying to track down and apprehend criminals involved in identity theft. It’s busts like drug related crimes that make the news and make career promotions.

What cop worth his salt wants to get stuck on an identity theft detail? There’s no free donuts and coffee for them! Even if they do track down a crook and make a bust, no one ever hears about it. It’s the cop that catches the guys smoking loco-weed down at the park that gets his name in all the local papers.

So it really is up to you to cover your own butt when it comes to preventing your personal information from being stolen and misused. This means that unless you have already started putting one together, now is the time to sit down and draw up your own in depth and comprehensive identity theft protection plan.

• Back Taxes for a Job You Didn’t Work At?

• Your Annual Tax Refund Sent to Someone Else?

One of the most common scenarios involving identity theft, is stolen social security numbers being use to get jobs. For the most part, it’s illegal aliens that do this but people with child support or other types of liens can also end up using your identity to work. Inevitably it leaves the true owner of the identity searching for identity theft solutions relating to income taxes.

It’s Happening to People Right Now!

As you can imagine it can be a difficult job to deal with because the onus is on you to prove that you weren’t the actual person who was working. You see almost without exception, they will file tax exempt which can leave you looking at an entire years wages with taxes due on them. So then what about the employer?

Will they Help You With Identity Theft Solutions?

Don’t count on him or her being cooperative because the whole thing will leave them with mud on their faces. Also by law, they are under no obligation to hand over anyone’s tax or employment records to anyone and that includes you. Besides, chances are that it’s some agricultural enterprise in another state and they’re used to people like you calling.

Hey is that really you?...Nice hat!

Don’t Count on Any Help From them!

They have loads of undocumented workers on their payroll with fake IDs and the last thing that they are going to do is admit complacency. They have acres of crops to bring in and a business to run and dealing with people like you is just the cost of doing business. They’re going to act stupid or just hang up on you.

Meanwhile Fines and Penalties are Adding Up

Now as far as the IRS is concerned, they just want their damn money. Besides for all they know, your claim that you didn’t work at the job and earn the money, is just ruse to get out of paying your taxes. Now add to that they can tack on fines and penalties while you’re scrambling to sort the whole mess out.

The IRS Now Has a Toll Free Number

The good news, is that the IRS now has a toll free number (1-800-908-4490) to assist you if you feel that you’re a victim of identity theft. This number was established for people to call and have their accounts marked so identity theft solutions can be found more expediently. Keep in mind that they can only take information that’s required for marking your account only.

Act Now If you Feel You’re ID Has Been Stolen

Now if you feel that you’re safe if the person who stole your ID and worked with it actually filed for a tax return and didn’t leave you with a tax bill, consider this. If they filed before you did, they will not only receive the tax refund on the wages that they earned but they’ll also receive any money they you’re due at the same time. You must act now, if you feel your identity has been stolen.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’re well aware that identity theft has become a major issue in recent years. It costs Americans alone, over $52 billion annually. You don’t have to be one of the many victims! The following is ten easy common sense suggestions on ways you can better protect yourself.

Be Alert for Telephone Scams

You need to understand that telephone scam artists are professionals at what they do. They’ve had years to protect their craft, so they know what works and what doesn’t. Never give out any personal information over the phone no matter how sweet, honest, legitimate and sincere they may sound.

Don’t Get Taken By Phishing Scams

The word phishing is used to describe techniques that are employed to extract information from you by way of email and online chat services. The most basic of them involve convincing you to click to a link or respond to a site that is set up to “appear to be” PayPal, a bank or credit card service.

Only Shop at Secure Websites

Online shopping can be as secure as shopping at your local mall, just as long as you know what to look out for. Before you shop on any site, make sure to check the bottom of your browser for a locked graphic. Another thing to look for to insure that a site is safe is https in the address bar. If there’s no secure connection, hackers can eavesdrop on your transactions.

Shred All Mail and Documents

Buy a good paper shredder and make it a policy to shred all mail and personal documents that you throw out. In fact if you have a fireplace it too can be used to destroy sensitive material that otherwise would be left sitting in your trash container. Trash diggers aren’t looking for junk anymore. They’re on the hunt for your personal information.

Keep Your Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Software Up to Date

A spyware program or computer virus that finds its way into your computer can can make your private information available to identity thieves. The best way to block this threat, is to use at least one anti-spyware program and one anti-virus program. Also make sure to keep them both up to date.

Research and Ask About Identity Theft Protection

When was the last time you asked your employer about what steps they are taking to safeguard employees personal data? Have you called your credit card company to find out if you will be held liable for fraudulent charges? What about asking your local bank manager about their anti-theft policies?

Guard Your Social Security Number

Increasingly today, more institutions and organizations are using social security numbers to identify and track members and clients. It’s great for them because it’s more simple and fool-proof. However; for you it’s not so great because it makes one of your more sensitive items of personal information vulnerable. Always ask for and consider other options.

Check Your Credit Report Carefully

You’re entitled by law to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies each year. You can even get them online. Rather than getting them all at once, consider checking one very four months. This way you have a better chance of detecting a problem much quicker.

Keep Your Important Documents Locked Up

The prices on small fire resistant personal safes have dropped significantly over the years. In fact you can now buy one that’s large enough to keep all your papers in at your local Walmart or Home Depot for as little as $50 now. Buy one and use it.

Guard Your Incoming and Outgoing Mail

If you live in a nicer, low crime neighborhood with steady police patrols, you are in fact more vulnerable to mail box raiders. They know that you feel secure and are less likely to take anti-theft measures. Install your own locking mail box or talk to your neighbors about having a group security mail box system installed.

If you’ve been looking into identity theft services online, then for sure by now you’ve heard about identity theft monitoring. So then just exactly what is it? Also can it actually detect and notify you if someone has stolen your ID before the damage has been done?

Before I get started explaining this particular aspect of identity theft services, you need to know one thing. That is that no service provider can stop someone from stealing your ID unless you follow their advice religiously.

Even then if one of your relatives decides to run off with your checkbook one day while you’re taking a nap, how can some service stop that? So in the end, no matter what service you use, you do still retain some level of personal responsibility.

Today’s identity theft monitoring services in short work to cover areas of vulnerability outside of your home and let me state right now that not all services and plans are alike. Some offer more service options and some are more expensive than others.

Now perhaps you have by now heard that so much of what these services do, you can in fact do yourself. Things like having a credit freeze installed on your accounts at all three credit reporting agencies. As it turns out, this is in fact true but if you think that protects you completely, you are wrong.

You have to understand that if some attempts to obtain a line of credit in your name and is frozen out, they still have your identity and there still are illegal uses for it. For example it can be used by someone to get a job. Of course they will claim tax exempt and you end up owing the taxes.

So why would someone want to use your ID to get a job? Actually there are two types of people who most commonly obtain employment with other peoples ID and the first one is illegal aliens. The second group is people who face having their wages garnished. Usually for child support or back taxes.

Only through an identity theft monitoring service that scans the Internet for clients stolen identification, such as social security numbers can protect you from being victimized this way. They use state of the art software to scan lists of stolen Ids that are up for sale online and also employ people to monitor topic related chat rooms.

It seems with it being such a hot topic today, everyone is exploring ways for preventing identity theft. Look online and they send you in a variety of directions. Even then you’re left hunkered down expecting that dreaded phone call.

So then what are the easiest things that you can do right now to tighten things up? Things that you don’t have to be tech savvy to accomplish. Well the following is a list of three common sense tips that you can check out and incorporate into your life for greater security.

• Tip #1 for Preventing Identity Theft

Your first bit of advise, is to never co-sign for anyone on anything. All you have to do is watch court TV to see that these types of deals have a very high failure rate. Also remember that the very reason that they’re coming to you is because they have already screwed up their own credit.

You don’t have to be a jerk when you say no either. But do bear in mind that you’ve most likely been fingered as a soft touch. If it’s a young relative who perhaps is in need of a car and you do want to help, consider loaning or giving them some money to build up their down payment so they wont need a co-signer.

Now you may not consider co-signing to be identity theft. However; once you look at it more closer, there are very close resemblances. The first one is that you’re convinced to hand over your personal information. The second similarity is that you end up being stuck with someone else’s bills and wreckage.

• Tip #2 for Preventing Identity Theft

Your second tip is to buy and have installed a secure locking mail box. Now so much of the advise that’s handed out today for preventing identity theft involves actions that you can take over the phone or computer. So if you think about it, this is the one thing that involves actual physical labor.

That alone is what stops most people in their tracks and it’s a shame too. This is because so much of your vital personal information is left sitting right out in the open, day in and day out this way until you go out and retrieve it. Anyone who really wants to can open it.

You can pick one up down at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s outlet, along with a bag of ready mix concrete. Just dig a hole, plug the post in, pour in the concrete and level it up. You can even pour the cement in dry then add some water with your hose. Remember that you can’t even even trust your neighbors these days.

• Tip #3 for Preventing Identity Theft

Buy a paper shredder and use it. You see what many people fail to realize is that once they toss their private papers in the trash, it’s only the beginning of a long journey for them. I’ll bet you think that the garbage man picks them up and takes them to the dump and buries them. Well you are wrong!

Today in most instances, your trash is taken to a recycling center that in many cases employs convict labor from a local jail or state prison. That’s right! Felons and even convicted identity thieves will be thumbing through your documents and deciding what should be done with them. Now that’s a comforting thought!

Now even if they make it past their pockets and into a proper paper recycling bin, that’s still not he end of it. This is because eventually they’ll be baled up and sent off to be sold to a wholesaler. They can even be shipped overseas and end up in some shady, mob run recycling operation.

• What will an identity theft coverage plan do?

• What to look for in the best coverage plans

The truly bitter irony of identity theft is that its primary victims are those who have done the most to secure a high credit rating. They pay their bills on time and are prudent with lines of credit, then some scum comes along and trashes it all. That is unless the person has identity theft coverage.

Your High Credit Score Makes You a Target

So it’s good honest hard working folks who suffer the most from this scourge. People who may have worked their entire lives to bring their rating up to the level that it was. It’s also important to remember that the crooks who steal a persons ID, don’t have the slightest bit of concern for the wreckage that they leave their victims saddled with.

Three Levels of Identity Theft Coverage

Identity theft coverage plans are perfectly suited to answer the needs of individuals who seek protection. They function on three levels and those are protection, monitoring and recovery. Protection to insure that your identity isn’t stolen. Monitoring to pick up any action and recovery help in the event that it is and damage is done.

Protection Starts at the Very Source

In simple terms, protection starts at the very source of publicly accessed information. It’s there that an identity theft coverage plan provider will work to plug holes and make you a harder target to hit. Then the monitoring takes place at several areas to watch over your information sources and notify you of any unusual or suspicious actions.

No More Phone Solicitors or Junk Mail

You’ll be taken off of annoying phone solicitor call lists and the level of junk mail that you receive will also drop considerably. Your provider will also be able to advise you on things that you can do and not do as you go about your day to day life to better secure your personal information from prying eyes and sticky fingers.

A Free Lawyer and Full Financial Reimbursement

The best of identity theft coverage plans even offer free legal services in the event that a lawyer is needed. A lawyer who specializes in identity theft recovery law. Also you need to pay attention to the amount of financial reimbursement that you are eligible for. The better policies offer total coverage in this area.

• How much risk do you face today?

• Can you face criminal charges?

Of course by now if you are reading this, you’re fully aware that no one and that even includes children is safe without an identity theft shield. In fact would you believe that over 400,000 people under the age of 18 had their identities stolen just last year?

A Do it Yourself Identity Theft Shield?

So now what it really comes down to, is whether you’re going to institute security measures on your own or procure the services of one of the many identity theft protection companies that are available online. And there are many that offer a wide range of services.

Having a Professional Job Done

Now without going into specifics, it is my heartfelt opinion that just as in so many other areas in life, you will be far better served by going with a professional service. Why? Simply put because they are professionals. They do a professional job.

A Frightening New Prospect!

There really is just too much at stake today. For instance it used to be that for the most part, a person had to worry about a financial calamity of their identity was stolen. Now however, you face the frightening prospect of your identity being used to perpetuate actual crimes online.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty?

Sound hard to believe? Well tell that to the people who have been dragged off to jail in handcuffs for crimes that they didn’t commit. Of course you’re innocent until proven guilty but it can take months and even time in jail before you accomplish that, if you ever do.

Is It Really Worth the Risk?

In the eyes of the prosecutor, you’ll be just one more defendant who steps forward to proclaim that they have the wrong person and that the real criminal is still out there. Perhaps you remember OJ? So yes you can do an identity theft shield yourself but will it be a professional job?

• How Vulnerable are you online?

• Take a simple quick test to find out!
  

You have taken all the right steps to prevent identity theft in your home and or business but what about theft online? Did you know that you don’t even need to have your personal information on your computer to have it stolen using common phishing techniques?

Think it Can’t Happen to You?

Believe it or not, people are conned into handing it over every day. Think it cant happen to you? Take a quick test. Can you tell right off hand which one of the following three names is legitimate? (Publishing Clearing House – Publishers Clearing House – Publishers Clearance House)

Prevent Identity Theft Through the Name Game

Would you believe that the confusion over those three names has cost thousands of people millions of dollars in con games over the years ? Well it has and in fact this particular name switching game happens to be one of the least sophisticated phishing scams. By the way, it’s Publishers Clearing House.

Just One Switched Letter

So perhaps this gives you some idea of how easy it is to switch just one word in a web address to trick people into thinking that they’re dealing with a legitimate known business site. A site that once you enter even resembles the genuine article down to the slightest detail.

Is it a Real or Fake Website?

So rule number one, is to never ever hand over your personal information until you have verified unequivocally that the site you are dealing with is legitimate. So then how can you tell if a site is legitimate? For one thing a legitimate site operator for the most part will never contact you to ask for your personal information.

Don’t Open Unsolicited Emails

By and large that greater majority of phishing techniques are perpetuated by way of unsolicited emails. Some are incredibly complex and even now, more sophisticated techniques continue to evolve. So how can you prevent identity theft by way of unsolicited emails? That’s simple. Just don’t open them.

• This a more personal & devastating crime

• Don’t let it effect you mentally

For most people, being victimized by a professional career criminal and finding themselves in identity theft recovery is a completely new and once in a lifetime experience. Oh sure you may have had your car or truck broken into or had your ice chest stolen on a camping trip or picnic but nothing like this.

Why Won’t they Call Out the Posse?

Not only are the impacts on your life far more severe but you simply don’t have the time or resources to devote to catching the perpetrator in this case. Yes you went down and filed a report at your local sheriffs department but perhaps you may have noticed their lack of enthusiasm.

They’re Long Gone Down the Road

Its not that they don’t care. Its just that in so many of these types of cases, the chances of catching the perpetrator and reclaiming your money is simply a very long shot, at best. Now they may catch them further down the road but only after they have chewed their way through any number of more victims.

Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place

So there you sit going over a notice from the IRS regarding unpaid taxes that you supposedly earned on a farm in Salinas California, while creditors ring your phone off the hook regarding a host of bogus lines of credit. Even if you wanted to pay them, you cant because your bank savings has been stolen.

You’ve Been Getting the Shaft for Months!

Then your mind starts to go back over the past six months. Aha! Now you know why you were turned down for those jobs you applied for and the apartment in the nice gated community. They checked out your credit report and figured you to be deadbeat. So for all intents and purposes your life is one big train wreck.

You Will Spend Days Glued to Your Phone

There really is no chance for closure because it will take years before you clear your name and get the dept straightened out. Also there simply is no time or resources to spend finding out who did it. Even if you could, you simply have more pressing matters at hand. In the initial stages of identity theft recovery some people spend 8-10 hours a day on the phone trying to clean the mess up.

Community Support Groups for Victims Like Yourself


So it all can and often does leave a person a “table pounding” psychological mess if they try to tough it out alone. You really do need someone to talk to who has gone through the same experience that you’re now being put through. For this you need to locate and get connected with a survivors support group in your community.

Consider Seeing a Doctor for Tranquilizers

Another item you might consider to help you through your identity theft recovery is seeing a doctor for a prescription of tranquilizers. Now even if you’re just not the type to use a chemical crutch, its important to understand that this time around its different. People have been permanently traumatized by the same thing you’re about to go through.

• Learn to recognize the danger areas

• Then learn how to cut them off!

Whether you realize it or not, the moment you board a plane to visit a foreign country, you become a prime target for any number of rip off schemes. Learning how to prevent identity theft when your visiting a foreign country should be tops on your list because your vital personal information is at risk.

How to prevent identity theft in paradise

The Problem is Worldwide

Prime vacation venues in Europe, Asia and Latin America are flocking with thieves and con artists who are all set up and just waiting for your arrival. They work in airports, hotels, restaurants, bars and drive taxis etc. Also don’t bother trying to pick them out because they can be virtually anyone.

Don’t Bother Trying to Pick them Out

In fact it’s the kind and friendly personalities that you have to be on guard for. The sweet friendly maid, the suave affluent hotel owner or manager, the helpful tour guide, the local church pastor or the local cop who’s moonlighting as your hotels security guard. It can be anyone.

Learn How to Prevent Identity Theft In Hotels

You see you’re on vacation, not them and they’ve had years to perfect their craft. Some of the best have been watching people like you come and go for decades and all they need is 30 seconds with your guard down to make their score. All the while, smiling in your face and treating you with the utmost outward respect.

It’s a Whole New Set of Rules You’ll Be Playing By

They also know that even if they’re caught, you won’t have the time in your schedule to stick around to testify in a court case. They know that once you see your documents missing, language barriers and logistical difficulties make it difficult for your to take any kind of immediate action. Even then, they can always bribe their way out of any problems.

It Only Takes 30 Seconds With Your Guard Down

So then how to prevent identity theft? Rule number one is to trust no one. Rule number two is to adopt basic security measures that would seem paranoid at home. This means that for instance, just because you’re in your hotel room or suite, doesn’t mean that your property is safe. In the time that it takes you to use the bathroom the maid can be in and out with your purse.

You’re Carrying Around a Small Fortune in Some Countries

What you have to understand is that your maid or security guard is earning as little as $25 per day in many instances. In fact in most Latin American, Asian countries and even some European countries, these would be considered quite generous wages. For them and an accomplice to spend a day or two stalking you, is well worth it.

How to Prevent Identity Theft? – Don’t Take Your Eyes Off it

Any personal possessions that you don’t have your hand actually on are in danger of being ripped off. Set them down and the risk factor increases. Take your eyes off them and they increase even more. Leave the room or your seat with your eyes off them and the risk factor skyrockets.

Have You Ever Heard Of Keystroke Tracking Software?

So then how can you actually prevent “identity theft” when your on your vacation or business trip? To start off with never ever enter any passwords into any computer other than your lap top. Assume that keystroke tracking software is installed in any and all computers in hotels and Internet cafes.

Beware of ATM Machines in Non-secure Locations

Only use ATM machines that are located behind the doors of a bank, if at all possible. If your card becomes stuck after you have entered your password, then stop and call to have it canceled “immediately”. Even better yet, leave it at home and simply use travelers checks because that’s what they are for.

ATMs With Hidden Cameras and False Fronts


If you have no other option than to use an unsecured ATM machine, than take the time to check the machine out carefully. Remember the TV shows that you’ve watched that showed ATM machines rigged with hidden cameras and false fronts? Well they’re reality in foreign countries!

Use a Money Belt or a Security Purse

Use a money belt or a security purse and make sure to check into a hotel that has strong boxes in the rooms or access to a safe deposit box. Lastly don’t feel embarrassed about letting people know that you don’t trust them. Experienced and professional service staff will understand and won’t be offended. They live there, so they don’t trust anyone either!