10 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity theftIdentity theft is becoming a huge business. Believe it or not, identity theft strikes over 12 million Americans per year and can cost thousands of dollars per victim. While these facts are alarming, there is a sense of comfort knowing there are 10 easy ways to protect yourself from identity theft!

  1. Utilize STRONG passwords. The more complicated a password is, the harder it will be for a hacker to crack. Using a variety of upper and lower case letters, number, and symbols will increase your safety.
  2. Use smart PIN #s on your smartphone. Try NOT to use PIN codes such as 1234 or 1111 since those are most commonly used and always have your phone on auto-lock.
  3. Mail all of your bills from an actual post office or a secured USPS drop box. Many thieves will drive through certain neighborhoods looking for the raised red flags on mailboxes, which would indicate outgoing mail. These thieves want to steal checks that are going to vendors such as banks.
  4. Never make copies of your personal information in a public facility. These computers are often leased, leaving personal information on the hard drive. Anybody who leases this computer may have access to YOUR information.
  5. Use shredders to destroy documents with personal information. You may be surprised how many people/thieves will go through your trash to find out all kinds of information about YOU.
  6. Remove your name from ALL pre-approved credit card offers. Call 1-888-567-8688 or visit optoutprescreen.com to remove your name. To stop other junk mail that you receive visit dmachoice.org.
  7. Keep all of your personal information/records secured. Doing this will make it more difficult for thieves to steal.
  8. Consider free antivirus software. You may be surprised how many offers are there for your protection to provide free antivirus and malware protection software.
  9. Utilize free credit report several times per year. This way you can review to ensure someone has not fraudulently opened accounts in your name.
  10. Never click on links from e-mails from strangers or alleged government agencies. Also, if somebody calls you, never give your social security number or any other personal information.

Optimum Peace of Mind for a Nominal Price

Most people don’t know that most N.C. homeowners insurance companies offer Identity Theft Coverage for as little as $20 per year or even less! The coverage under this type of endorsement may vary from company to company so make sure you contact your N.C. independent insurance agency to determine what is available for your identity theft protection.

Some Typical Services Afforded Under N.C. Identity Fraud Protection Endorsement

Below are some of the typical services provided under a N.C. homeowners policy (under endorsement) for identity fraud protection:

  • Expense Reimbursement– lost wages, credit report fees, legal fees, and filing fees relevant to restoring your identity, usually up to $25,000 per year
  • Identity Theft Resolution– a case manager will be assigned to help you through the process of restoring your identity
  • Identity Travel Assistance– fraud specialists will be available should important documents be lost or stolen while traveling
  • Identity Management Assistance– fraud specialists will be available to manage and support you for as many as 18 different types of identity fraud

When you think of the amount of money, time, and stress you may endure if you fall victim to identity fraud, it is worth this small fee for your peace of mind! Contact your N.C. independent agent today about adding Identity Fraud Protection to your homeowners policy.

 

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