Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Identity theft is the number one fraud complaint in the United States, according to the Federal Trade Commission,1 and it's also America's fastest growing crime.2 Because of this growing crime trend, consumers surveyed said identity theft insurance was second only to car insurance on the list of products they wish their insurance company would offer.3
Tips to Help Avoid Identity Theft
Monitor Your Credit Reports
Early detection may help prevent greater losses, so check your credit reports with all three of the credit-monitoring services at least annually.4 Once a year, you can get a free report from all three credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com.
When Buying Online, Use Only Secure Web Sites
Check the Web address to be sure it begins with "https," indicating the credit card information will be encrypted or secure. And be aware of "phishing" scams that use false Web links to allow thieves access to your information. Pay attention to make sure the Web address in your browser is what you expect it to be. For all online purchases, it's a good idea to use only one credit card, because it's easier to track activity.
Be Careful With Your Documents
Carry only the credit/debit cards you need, and don't carry your Social Security card. Keep cards and information you don't use regularly in a safe place.
Identity Services and Fraud Expense Coverage is available with our Farm Bureau Member's Choice property/liability coverage. It costs only $25 per year, and the coverage includes Identity Credit Monitoring ServicesSM, Identity Theft ResolutionSM — which provides a fraud specialist as your personal advocate to guide you through the resolution process — and Identity Document RecoverySM, to ensure rapid replacement of personal, legal and financial documents, and notification to insurance companies, employers and financial institutions.
Click here for details about identity theft and fraud expense coverage or contact a Farm Bureau agent to request a quote.
1 "FTC Releases List of Top Consumer Complaints in 2008,” Federal Trade Commission, http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/2008cmpts.shtm, visited Feb. 24, 2010.
2 "Identity Theft is America's Fastest Growing Crime," U.S. Postal Inspection Service, http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/idthft_ncpw.htm, visited Feb. 22, 2010.
3 "Study: Homeowners express great interest in insurance providers offering coverage for identity theft,"www.namic.org/topnews/061031st1.asp, posted Oct. 31, 2006, visited Feb. 13, 2007.
4 TransUnion, www.transunion.com; Equifax, www.equifax.com; and Experian, www.experian.com.
