Identity Theft: How to Protect Your Most Valuable Asset

Provides advise on how to protect your identity and how to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Imagine that someone has used your personal information to clean out your bank accounts and max out your credit cards, leaving you with a huge debt. In the worst case, the impostor goes on to commit even more serious crimes under your identity, leaving you with a criminal record. This nightmare scenario sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie, but identity fraud is on the rise; this year, nearly a million Americans will be victimized by identity thieves. Although it is often viewed as a high-tech crime perpetrated by hackers, the thief is often a family member, trusted friend, or coworker. Hammond describes the anger, fear, and suspicion that victims experience and gives advice on how to cope with the emotional and practical aspects as they go through the difficult task of repairing their credit and good names. Most importantly, he provides a checklist of simple steps that can be taken to greatly reduce the chance that this will ever happen. Timely advice to share with as many loved ones as possible. David Siegfried
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