How to Protect Your Social Security Number

A good friend of mine recently had a run of bad luck that may possibly cost him thousands of dollars to recuperate from. He was carrying his Social Security card with him so he could use it for identification at his new doctor’s office, and he either lost it or had it stolen. That’s a big deal because social security number and identity theft commonly come as a pair. Sure enough, my friend began receiving bills for credit cards he didn't open and for items he didn't purchase. He didn't know what to do or who to turn to, so I told him about Legal-yogi.com, a free website that provides guidance on all manner of legal issues. He went home, got on the website, and was feeling better at the end of his visit. Let me pass on some of what he learned.

Because misuse of someone’s Social Security number often leads to ID theft, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some suggestions for those who have been victimized by this crime. The first step is to place fraud alerts on your credit file by contacting one of the three major reporting bureaus, Equifax, Trans-Union, or Experian. Legal-yogi.com points out that the one you get in touch with must inform the other two of the fraud alert, and that you should go over your credit reports, looking for charges from companies you haven’t done business with, credit accounts you haven’t opened, and any charges on the reports that you did not authorize. You should also close accounts that are not legitimate or that you know are fraudulent.

Visit Here To Know More About Social Security Number And Identity Theft!

There are definitely steps to Social Security number and identity theft protection, most of which are just basic common sense. First and foremost, do not carry your Social Security number around with you. There are very few institutions that require it, so if you’re not bringing it to a physician’s office, a new school, or an attorney’s firm, it’s just not safe to have it on you. Legal-yogi.com encourages you to keep it in a safe at home or at the bank in a safety deposit box. Carry your credit cards in a separate container from your driver’s license and cash, and make it hard for thieves to “grab and run” with your wallet by carrying a purse across your body or keeping your wallet in a front coat pocket rather than the rear one, which seems to be customary.

This has been only a sample of what Legal-yogi.com can teach you about Social Security number and identity theft. The website is operational all day, every day, and there are always well-trained staff members on hand to answer the phones. To get your free complimentary introductory conference, dial 800-397-1755.

The Developing Threat of Social Security Fraud

Despite the fact that the government is taking measures to stop identity theft, the arrest rate is low when it comes to this type of crime. Under certain laws like the FACTA and HIPAA, companies are fined for letting identity information slip into criminal hands. The biggest concern for United States citizens is social security number identity theft.

·         A major factor right now is illegal immigration into the United States to find employment. Social security number id theft is rampant among illegal immigrants of all backgrounds because it is an easy way to find quick work.

·         The odds of getting caught are low, just 1 out of every 20 reported cases.

·         The conviction rate is even lower at 1 out of every 50 arrested. Therefore it is considered a high reward, low risk crime.

The social security problem

The laws and punishments for social security id theft are astonishingly lax. In the United States you must give your employer a social security number for tax purposes. There are laws that require companies to check this information, but you can still work while the company waits for a verification even if you are using a fraudulent social security number. Between 2005 and 2008 the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act curbed the use of stolen social security numbers among illegal immigrants, but this changed in 2009. The Supreme Court ruled that it's not a crime if an illegal immigrant didn't know the social security number they were using belonged to a U.S. citizen. Now social security fraud is back and more dangerous than ever.

Your information is not protected by those that track it

The agencies involved in tracking your information aren't necessarily protecting it. When you look at the problem from a different perspective you will come to understand the dynamics of the problem. The Social Security Administration collects money from all workers, including identity thieves. If a name doesn't match the number they have on file, the money goes to a suspended earnings file. However, the SSA only pays benefits to one individual associated with the number, so there is little incentive for them to tell anyone their number has been stolen. It's actually against code in the IRS for the SSA to notify you that your number is being used by someone else!

Explore More to Know About Social Security Identity Theft Protection.

The credit bureaus

Companies that check your credit report will know this too, but they too are not allowed to tell you. The three major credit bureaus sell a special report which shows any activity under a social security number. If another name is associated with a certain number than two different files are created to track the credit. So companies that want to give you credit can pull out this report, see suspicious activity, but are not allowed to tell you. You might think your credit history is very good, but can be turned down for a loan because someone else is using your number recklessly.

You can find outstanding tips for protecting your social security number by visiting www.legal-yogi.com. They have a database of legal agencies ready to help throughout the country. Call them directly at 1-800-397-1397. 

Watch out, Your Identification is under Threat

Your credit cards been stolen. At least you assume someone has it because you apparently dropped your wallet somewhere out there today and you now have no cash, no bank cards, no credit cards, and not even the identification required to prove you are who you say you are. A strange world we live in eh? You are hoping it’s not someone who’s committed identity theft with a criminal record in the past. First remember that many people have lost these kinds of things, and it’s possible it will be returned to you shortly. However the better bet is to be prepared and make the necessary calls to protect you. Also be aware of the possible consequences.

• It is not difficult to use stolen credit cards and debit cards. How many times does a clerk check your own ID when you use these cards yourself?
• A professional criminal with access to your social security card or number will be able to immediately begin assuming your identity.
• A criminal can ruin your credit score. In this case, the least of your concerns will be whether they bought some beer with your credit card; they may have much bigger plans.

Make the Necessary Calls

The first thing you need to do is call your bank, as well as your credit card companies and ask them to temporarily freeze your accounts and to monitor any attempted transactions. Sometimes this is done too late, but the moment you know that your information has been stolen it is important to limit the amount of damage that can be done, or stop it altogether. A bank or credit company will watch to see if anyone is attempting to use your cards or information and can report it to the proper authorities. If nothing is noticed within several days you should begin the process of acquiring new cards. Sometimes a good habit can be to write “Check ID” on the back of your cards if there is potential for someone else to use them. That way a clerk may feel more inclined to do so.

Beware an ID Thief

However you are not out of the woods. A smart criminal may know to wait till the alert has died down before doing anything. What the professional really needs can be found in your wallet. A license or ID card can be forged repeatedly, and not surprisingly these forgeries can sometimes come back to haunt you. Identity theft with a stolen social security number should be perhaps your greatest fear.

SocialSecurity Identity Theft

With this number a professional can open accounts under your name, and even buy a home. Eventually the news will reach you that you owe lots of money to collectors. Because you did not assume the responsibility of properly monitoring your accounts and secure information you are on the books for this debt and if you can’t repay it, it can ruin your credit score. The moral of this story is to always monitor your information by checking your accounts regularly.

If your credit card information has been stolen or you want to learn more about credit card theft laws, visit legal-yogi.com. They also be contacted for free consultation by calling 1-800-397-1755.

The Effect of a Lost Security Card on Identity Theft

Credit card identity theft statistics are alarming and under current economic conditions they are becoming even worse. Criminals are obtaining credit in someone else’s name usually because they are out of work or have bad credit, but this is not the only reason; sometimes it is just the thrill of the game. What can we do about it?

Your Social Security Number is a Prime Target for Criminals

Most people know the importance of protecting their social security information, but unfortunately not everyone takes this precaution. Your identity theft with social security number and identity theft go hand in hand because the thief needs this information in order to obtain and compromise your identity. When you make the effort to protect this information from thieves you dramatically reduce your vulnerability to identity theft. Some of the things you can do include the following:

• Never carry your social security card with you unless you are going to need it
• When not in use lock your social security card and any documents that contain your social security number in a secure and locked place (such as a home safe or bank lock box)
• Never include your social security number on your resume especially if you post it online
• Do not use your social security number as a login name or password
• If you apply for credit online and need to supply your social security number make sure it is a secure site as indicated by https and/or a closed lock at the bottom of the web page

For more information about protecting your social security number from potential thieves visit Legal-Yogi .

A Lost Social Security Card Opens Opportunities for Identity Theft

If you lose your social security card you need to immediately report it to the social security office. While the problem used to be a simple one of just replacing the card, in today’s market when there is a potential for financial hardship because of the effect of a lost social security card on identity theft, it may be necessary for that number to be blocked from use in order to avoid any potential problems. While this can be inconvenient, it may be the best method to ensure protection for the owner of that social security number.

Prevention of Identity Theft

There are many ways a person can prevent ID theft, but the short version is to protect all your personal information and report any discrepancies. Do not rely on your credit card companies or bank to report things for you; you can only be sure the task is complete when you do it yourself.

Your social security number and identity theft go together because the identity thief needs this information in order to access other types of personal information. The effects of a lost social security card on identity theft can be enormous, and even more so since people may not notice a lost card right away. Credit card identity theft statistics is an area of great importance as it shows us whether our efforts to prevent ID theft are working. 

Id Theft Protection

I've worked with computers for years, since the early eighties. I keep abreast of every changing detail in the tech world, and even I am beginning to feel left behind by some of the newest advances. Still, I am well aware of the nefarious nature of computer technology as well. Though it has presented some wonderful capabilities that most of us would never want to live without, it has also made us vulnerable to cyber crime. Although I do not take part, I know how easy it is for the computer savvy to work their way around the internet and track other people's private information. If I really wanted to I could probably figure out the password to your email and go snooping around. The tech criminals out there have software designed to construct code busters that give them an immense amount of power that can be used for very bad things. Always be on the lookout for criminal activity when dealing with private and sensitive information on the internet.

Criminal identity theft is perhaps your biggest concern in modern times when dealing with cyber crime in general. Identity theft in the past involved stealing personal information somehow and pretending to be someone else. It was fairly straightforward before computers, so it was easier to avoid. Now it is very difficult to make all of your purchases with cash and in person. 

Electronic money transfers may even be more common now than the use of cash at many establishments. How often do you go out to eat and slip the waitress a credit card only to see her disappear for five minutes with it while she runs it through a machine? How long would it take someone to write your information down with that card and use it to make purchases online at a later date without you having any knowledge until the bill came in? Think of the times where perhaps you threw garbage away that may have contained your social security information on it or tax information. By dumpster diving someone who has obtained your social security number can then go online and set up their own credit card account under your name and begin make all sorts of purchases under your line of credit. They can even buy a house and take out loans! How can you avoid social security number and identity theft?

- Keep track of all your accounts at all times. Monitor your statements and credit score.

- Never let your credit card out of sight.

- Shred your mail before throwing it out. Especially personal information.

- Change online passwords regularly. Preferably once a month.

- Never use account information online unless it is a secured site.

Even by following this advice you may become a victim so it is important to have instant access to a social security identity theft form. A good website to find this and more help dealing with the wide range of identity theft is legal-yogi . They are experts and will lead you to the right people who can help protect and advise you.

Social Security Card Identity Theft: Legal Help to Protect Social Security Theft

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America, affecting 9 million people each year. Criminal identity theft has legal repercussions, but they aren’t a tough enough deterrent and need to be harsher. It is shockingly easy to steal someone’s identity and then use it to open credit card accounts, take out loans, or even buy a car. The following information will give you the heads-up on identity theft along with some thoughts on how to prevent it from happening to you.

·         Social Security Number Theft

·         Monitoring Identity Theft

·         How to Prevent Becoming an ID Thief’s Victim

·         Utilize a Free Legal Advice Service such as Legal-yogi

Social Security Number Theft

Theft of Social Security number(s) is just one of the ways an ID thief gets your information. Once he has your SS number, he can get the rest of your personal data and use it for his own gain. Most often, the theft of your SS number is committed by a friend or relative, so be very careful who you share it with. If it happens to you, contact the Social Security office nearest you to learn what to do about it.

Read more about child identity theft protection tips

Monitoring Identity Theft

There are companies out there that offer identity theft monitoring, but do some research before choosing one to work with. They tell you that if you give them your Social Security number, notifying you of suspicious identity activity is just an e-mail away. These services offer to watch the Big Three credit reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), your cell phone activity, and public information to protect your identity. Of course, these services are not free; they usually charge $10 - $20 a month. Make sure to look over client feedback portions of prospective companies’ websites so you can get a good idea of whether or not they’re effective if you decide to use them.

How to Prevent Becoming an ID Thief’s Victim

Here are some common-sense ideas to encourage Social Security identity theft protection. Remember that once a thief has that number, he can access your other personal info, so follow these suggestions. Do not carry your SS card on your person; leave it in a secure place. If you must carry it with you, keep your wallet in your front pocket or carry your purse across your body so it’s more difficult to grab and run with. Shred all documents that might have your SS number or credit card information, don’t throw them in the trash. When shopping, cover your credit card numbers so no one can steal them by looking over your shoulder.

Utilize a Free Legal Advice Service such as Legal-yogi

We at Legal-yogi have a plethora of information regarding identity theft, and we’d like to share it with you. Your initial consultation is free, so contact us soon for sound legal advice.

Preventing ID Theft With Professional Help

In spite of stiff criminal charges for Identity theft, statistics show that it is the fastest growing crime in the United States.  Many people consider it to be a crime that only involves accessing someone’s bank or credit accounts, and while that is certainly one form of identity theft, it has extended to such areas as newsocial security number identity theft, Criminal Identity theft, and even child identity theft.  Here are some things you should know about identity theft:

·         Types of Identity Theft

·         Signs You Might be a Victim of Identity Theft

·         Help Preventing ID Theft

Types of Identity Theft

1.       Financial Identity Theft: theft of personal information such as credit or bank information for the purpose of financial gain.

2.       Medical Identity Theft: Someone seeking medical attention under your name to avoid paying the bill.

3.       Criminal ID Theft: Someone arrested using identification under your name to avoid prosecution.

4.       ID card theft: Using your Identification such as a driver’s license to get an SSN, credit, etc in your name.

5.       Social Security Number and Identity Theft: someone uses your social security card to avoid paying taxes on earnings or even to draw social security benefits in your name.

6.       Synthetic Identity theft: Probably the newest form of ID theft, someone takes various bits of information from different people to create a completely new identity.

7.       Child Identity Theft: Stealing the social security number of a child to have a blank slate for a fresh start credit-wise.

Signs You Might be a Victim of Identity Theft

Almost 9 million people were victims of one type or another of identity theft last year. It can happen to anyone of us, in fact, you could be a victim already and not even be aware of it.  If you see any of the following, it could be an indication your identity has been compromised.

1.       Your credit score is inexplicably lower than it should be.

2.       You have either been denied credit or gotten credit only at higher than normal interest.

3.       Your credit report contains incorrect personal information or debt that you did not incur. 

4.       Collection attempts for credit accounts you never authorized.

5.       Receiving credit cards for which you never applied.

6.       Missing mail—even bills.

Any of these things happening should make you aware that there is a possibility you have been victimized by an identity thief.

Help Preventing ID Theft

Identity theft is scary and can wreak havoc in your life. Unlike other types of crime, the burden of proof is on you.  It only makes sense to take advantage of professional help to safeguard your most precious asset…who you are…your identity.  Legal-Yogi can provide the services and benefits that only the best identity theft companies in the business can give you.  You can literally have expert professional help at your fingertips 24 hours a day; 365 days a year with Legal-Yogi.  All you need to do is fill out the online forms provided on the Legal-Yogi.com website to get all the information you need on what Legal-yogi can do for you, and get the ball rolling, so they can work for you.  There is no obligation what-so-ever, so why wait? Get started today protecting your identity and your future.