WOWT - News
Stolen Credit Repair Kit
"Tool would help identity theft victims
Identity theft is a crime that is hurting more and more people every year.
In 2006, more than 4,000 Nebraskans were victims.
As part of consumer protection week, Nebraska's attorney general is unveiling a new tool to help repair stolen credit.
One Nebraska woman knows the dread of finding out you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
A phone call stopped a credit card issued in her name, with a credit line of $5,000, from reaching the hands of a thief.
"The nightmare began two years ago, when Discover Card contacted me and told me that an account had been applied for in my name," says Jaimee Napp.
It was one of four cards the thief impersonating Jaimee Napp applied for and didn't bother to hide behind a computer.
An elaborate scammer hit her trash can for personal information.
It turned out the thief was Napp’s former supervisor.
Napp says "This woman had taken my date of birth and social security number and personal files and used it for her own gain.”
For Jaimee Napp, regaining stability in her financial life is a work in progress.
But Nebraska's Attorney General Jon Bruning believes this identity theft repair pamphlet will help.
Jon Bruning, Nebraska's Attorney General says, "If you fall victim this could be the difference between being inconvenienced by identity theft and being ruined by identity theft."
The pamphlet is a checklist of ways to protect your identity.
For example: Never give out personal information, get a credit report every year, shred documents with personal information and leave your social security card at home.
For those like Jaimee Napp, there's a check list too. Once you believe your identity has been stolen you need to file a police report and be sure to get a copy.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a report
Contact credit reporting agencies and your credit card company
The thief who was waiting on credit cards in Napp's name, is now awaiting a trial.
Napp doesn’t believe the resolution of her financial situation will come as quickly.
"I believe it will affect my ability to get credit for quite some time," says Napp."
Be proactive. It is much more difficult to repair your credit after your identity has been stolen. Protect your identity with LifeLock. LifeLock is the only Identity Theft Prevention Solution backed by a one-million dollar guarantee! Click here to get a 10% discount. Everyday innocent people are denied credit, jobs, insurance, or even rental property. Even worse, others are arrested for crimes they never committed due to mistaken identity from their personal information being stolen. Don't wait for this to happen to you, protect yourself with a competent service like LifeLock or IDENTITY GUARD®
. Tags: credit repair, identity theft prevention and protection,LifeLock, identity guard
Posts
