~ contributed by By Stacy Whelchel

Have you ever been to a carnival where a worker promised you a prize if you let the person guess your age or weight? It’s a guessing game that gives them the advantage because even if you win, the prize costs less than what you paid to play.

Similarly, researchers have discovered that thieves can easily guess individual Social Security Numbers, according to a [1] Washington Post story. Even more unnerving is the fact that the criminals can, and have used, public information to uncover the vital digits. Unlike the carnival, this game is illegal, and the payoff for the thief is much more substantial.

Do your part to stop identity thieves from using your SSN and damaging your credit report.  Don’t routinely carry your identification card or other documents that display your number in a purse or wallet.  Don’t provide the number on any forms, unless positively necessary.  And, DO make sure you have an identity theft plan in place…just in case the guessing game doesn’t end in your favor.

What is cheaper? - pre-paid or post paid in these situations:

• health care
• auto repair
• home repair

Try having an accident with your car, then asking for car insurance - doesn’t typically work that way.

As 70%+ of claimed IDentity Theft victims end up hiring or wishing they had legal counsel, a whole industry starting to catch is the Legal arena.  You would want to find a service that is membership based where they do most of or all the effort on your behalf - not insurance based, where typically you take the actions and the policy helps them decide what you will be reimbursed on.  In the case of IDentity Theft most programs out there will leave you doing the work, even if they guide you, but it is being done during the day when the agencies you need to contact are open.

With the likes of LifeLock being sued by companies like Experian and being shut down by federal judges in states like California, I recommend you find a service that will monitor and restore your good name, provide many legal services covering you across America [because IDentity Theft isn’t limited to your trash can].

More importantly you want a service with a proven track record, and is governed by each state’s Insurance, Regulatory, & Bar Association

~ Terry Kohler
Certified IDentity Theft Risk Management Specialist
[2] Talk Solutions Today

Veteran-Owned Small Business