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Credit Reports
In the future, you should check your credit report often. Equifax, Experian, and Transunion are the largest and main credit reporting companies. "A credit reporting company creates you credit report. That company gathers information about you and your credit history" (Protection 6). By checking this report frequently you can see if there is any strange activity on your card and report it. -
Identity Theft
Identity theft is growing, and it can happen to anyone. Identity theft occurs when, "you see withdrawals from your bank account that you can not explain, you do not get your bills or other mail, you get medical or other bills for services you did not use, debt collectors call you about debts that are not yours, or you find strange accounts or charges on your credit report"(Protection 5). What can you do after your identity has been stolen and what can you do to prevent it in the future? -
The National Association of Consumer Advocates
One organization that can help you after identity theft is The National Association of Consumer Advocates, or the NACA, which is a nonprofit association employing attorneys to protect consumers' interests. The NACA is "a national organization fully commited to promoting justice for consumers, NACA's member and their clients are actively engaged in promoting a fair and open marketplace that forcefully protects the rights of consumers, particularly those of modest means"(Protection 6). -
Sharing Information
Another good way to prevent identity theft is to not share personal information. "identity thieves could use your name and address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or medical insurance account numbers"(Protection 5). Though it seems obvious not to share this information with random people, you also shouldn't share it over texts, or emails because though it seems safe to do this, identity thieves can also be hackers and can find this information.
