Protect Your Identity

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.  The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record.  Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.

Contact a representative at C.H. Edwards to help you understand why Identity Theft Insurance is an important addition to your current insurance.  Please click on our video below.

Identity Theft Video

Act Quickly to Minimize Damage from Identity Theft

Identity thieves steal in countless ways from their victims. Victims may discover that identity thieves have made charges on or withdrawals from their accounts, opened new credit cards or taken out loans in their names, or even filed for bankruptcy using the stolen identity. Victims may find that their social security number has been used on a thief's job application, or that their name was given to police during an arrest. Identity theft victims will spend money and time - probably large amounts of each - in uncovering the extent of the damage and in repairing it, in order to restore their good name.

YOUNG ADULTS AND HIGH EARNERS HAVE GREATEST RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT

According to Javelin Strategy & Research, which recently released its 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report, young people and those earning more than $150,000 are the most likely victims of identity theft.

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are at the greatest risk for identity fraud because they are the least likely to take safeguards such as shredding documents and using anti-virus software and firewalls. Over five percent of those surveyed in this age group reported having been victimized.