Creditnet News Story
Firm offers tips to guard against identity theft
Friday, March 5, 2010
By Sam Lee
Monitoring credit report one strategy.
With a recent report that identity theft was the top complaint received from consumers by the Federal Trade Commission last year, a company that provides assistance against the crime is providing tips on how to avoid it.
According to ARAG, there are a number of things that consumers can do in order to avoid identity theft, which can take many hours to fix. One thing people should do is check their credit reports, which can alert them to accounts being opened in their name.
Other strategies suggested by ARAG include checking credit card statements for unauthorized activity while also keeping track of privacy settings used while online.
"It's important for people to use common sense, be cautious with access to personal information and look to reputable resources that provide reliable information, security and peace of mind," said Jim Barone, a senior vice president for ARAG.
The FTC notes that consumers who find out they have been the victim of identity theft should contact law enforcement officials and file a report as soon as possible. Complaints can also be directed to the federal agency through its website, www.ftc.gov.
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