Beware the Identity Thieves

Allstate offers some helpful information on ID theft including steps you can take

in the event that it happens to you 

The holidays are over and the bills are arriving … including bills for products you never ordered or services you never used! Suddenly you notice that “mistakes” are appearing on your credit card and/or bank statements, and debt collectors are calling about debts that don’t belong to you.It is always better to know about wage garnishment assistance to avoid risks.According to the Federal Trade Commission, these are all signs that you may be the victim of identity theft.

In the event that fraud is confirmed, Allstate’s Identity Theft Expense Coverage may be able to assist you with guidance and possible reimbursement of expenses. Regardless of whether you have this type of protection, here are some tips that may help you manage this situation. The FTC suggests that you complete these three steps immediately:

1. Order your credit reports ‐ Order your credit report from one of the three, nationwide credit reporting agencies (listed below). Review them carefully for errors or signs of fraud, and share notable information with the credit reporting company.

·         Equifax® 1‐800‐525‐6285

·         Experian® 1‐888‐397‐3742

·         TransUnion® 1‐800‐680‐7289

2. If you notice signs of fraud, flag your credit reports ‐ Call one of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies and ask that they place a fraud alert on your credit report. The agency you call is then responsible for alerting the other two, and the initial alert is good for 90 days.

3. Create an identity theft report ‐ File a complaint with the FTC via their Web site or by calling them at 1‐877‐438‐4338. The completed complaint is called an FTC affidavit. Take the affidavit to the police department where the theft occurred and file a police report. These two items comprise the identity theft report. 

After completing the steps listed above, there are additional measures you can take that may help the situation:

A. Contact the issuers of your credit cards immediately ‐ Most companies provide toll‐free numbers that are manned 24/7 to deal with this type of event. Prompt notice may help limit your liability (to as little as $50 per card).

B. Alert your bank(s) ‐ If they have a process in place to do so, consider putting a fraud alert on your accounts.

C. Notify other, applicable organizations of the fraud, including (but not limited to):

·         Social Security Administration

·         Department of Motor Vehicles

·         Your utility companies

·         Your health providers

4. Take steps to repair your credit ‐ The FTC provides tips on things you can do to try to repair your credit after you have been the victim of fraud. 

Finding out you are the victim of fraud is likely to create frustration, anger and worry. Being prepared and remaining vigilant are two good ways to help you fight it.

Visit Allstate Be Aware and Prepare and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety for more, helpful information.

For More information and a new quote please call Shirley Eizember, Pinckney Insurance Agency, 41 Port Watson St, Cortland New York. 607-756-8505

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

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