Are you concerned about ID Theft?

You should be!

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Just turn on the news or pick up a paper. Nearly every day there are frightening stories about what's happening all around us. This is not a scare-tactic devised by unscrupulous marketers or a vast right-wing conspiracy. This is a real problem!

Consider this:

• Last Friday, Bank of America announced that it had lost computer tapes containing information on 1.2 million Federal employees, including U.S. Senators, potentially exposing them to theft of hacking.
• Nearly 145,000 Americans may have recently been compromised by a security breach at ChoicePoint, a leading consumer data provider.
• In the past 12 months, 9.3 million American adults have been victims of identity fraud, with a total US cost of approximately $52.6 Billion (yes, that's billion with a "b"!). The average cost per fraud victim is $5,686.
• Contrary to popular opinion, more than 2/3 of identity theft cases occur off-line (68.2%)
• Family members and relatives along with friends and neighbors make up half of all known identity thieves.

(Source: 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report, published by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research)

Think you're not at risk?

• Do you hand your credit card to servers at restaurants?
• Do you sign your credit cards?
• Do you supply personal information over the internet?
• Do you keep your SS# in your wallet or purse?
• Do you leave mail at your home or business for the postal carrier to collect?

According to the FTC, dentity theft victimes spend countless hours and an average of $1,500 in the quest to clear their names. A professional thief can assume your identity in just a few hours, but it can take years to restore your credit rating. Don't wait until it happens - protect yourself and your family before it's too late.

If you're interested in learning more about Identity Theft Shield coverage, please contact me at p_turner@prepaidlegal.com