Safeguarding your Identity: How To Fight Back

The US General Accounting Office reports that around 760,000 Americans are victimized by identity theft every year. As a result, stolen identity has lead many people to bad credit.
Perhaps you may be wondering, “What can I do to avoid identity theft?” This article discusses practical advice on how to avoid ID theft and what you can do about it in case you experience it.
Dealing with Identity TheftConsumers must be aware of their rights to dispute false charges. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is clearly against all forms of fraud and those who are found to be in violation of the law would be punished.
If there are unauthorized charges in your bill, call you creditor immediately and explain the situation. This is why consumers are advised to regularly check their personal credit reports by ordering a copy from the three major credit bureaus. Thus, in case there are false charges in their account so they can file for a dispute right away.
If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of ID theft, you can order a copy of your credit report at no cost. Carefully examine your report for any error or inaccuracy. Before making a dispute, see to it that you will be making a valid complaint.
When disputing charges, be sure to follow up your call with a written dispute letter sent via registered mail. Your letter should clearly explain the issue you’re disputing and must also enclose copies of receipts or documents that support your claim. You may need to wait up to 30 days before the investigation is completed.
Protect Yourself from ID TheftProtection is your best defense against all forms of fraud and ID theft. Although the law allows credit disputes, it is your responsibility as a borrower to exercise caution. So how can you protect yourself against ID theft?
One way is to get a credit card that offers credit protection features such as zero-liability protection, fraud alert, and online account access. A credit card with a zero-liability protection ensures that you will not be forced to pay any unauthorized purchase in your account.
Meanwhile, the fraud alert feature is an added protection against possible theft or credit card fraud. Each time a new purchase is made, the credit card issuer will send the cardholder a notice about the transaction. Thus, in case the credit card has been used without the account owner’s consent, he/she will immediately be alerted. Finally, the online account access option is a wonderful tool as it enables you to monitor your account conveniently and at any time using the internet.
source :www.Consolidate4Free.com