Beware the Identity Thieves: Tips from Allstate

This year, take notice of charges that may not be yours!

Consider your reaction when bills arrive in your mailbox 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.

Allstate gives its eligible auto and homeowners policyholders peace of mind from ID theft whether from a lost or stolen laptop, wallet, purse; a fraudulent credit card charge; or anytime you feel that your identity might be vulnerable. The company offers proactive education to help prevent identity theft and comprehensive case management for the duration of the identity resolution process.

“Anyone who has experienced ID theft understands the challenge to stop the fraud and restore your credit,” says Jaclyn Darrohn, Allstate New York spokesperson. “Our team helps guide our policyholders to help protect against identity theft and resolve fraud if it happens.”

For around $35 per year, the company’s Identity Restoration Coverage helps customers get restoration of their identity by managing the reporting process with FTC and police agencies and provides credit and fraud monitoring services for victims of identity theft. Reimbursement for covered costs due to identity theft like notaries, postage, lost wages to defend in court are also included with this additional coverage.

All consumers can access resources on identity theft from the Federal Trade Commission who suggests that they complete these steps immediately upon learning of fraud:

1. If you notice signs of fraud, place an initial fraud alert ‐ Call one of the 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. The agency can also add a freeze to their credit files, in the more extensive fraud situations.

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

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.

Once these steps are completed 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.

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.

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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