Identity protection newest member benefit!
Identity theft claims a new victim every 3 seconds
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identification information -- like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number -- without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. According to Federal Trade Commission estimates, as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.
In fact, the Identity Theft Resource Center calls identity theft the fastest growing crime in our nation today. Thieves often get your personal information by going through trash, stealing wallets, overhearing conversations made on cell phones, theft from unlocked mailboxes, as well as from unprotected computers.
Once stolen, thieves can use your identity to rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. Worse yet, you may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn't make-or until you're contacted by a debt collector.
Identity theft victims can spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some victims even lose out on job opportunities, be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of damaged credit reports.
Farm Bureau members have free access to our new Identity Theft Protection and Restoration Service, which provides advice on protecting your information, or assist you in restoring your credit and identity should you fall victim to this crime.
As a member, you can receive expert advice from trained fraud specialists who will walk you through the process of restoring your identity. Simply call (888) 805-4864 to begin the process or for more information. For more tips on protecting your identity please visit our web site at http://www.michfb.com/benefits/idt911
What can you do?
- Identity Theft 911, America's premier provider of identity services recommends these protective measures:
- Never toss credit card receipts into a public trash container. Always shred them at home.
- Carry receipts in your wallet, not in the shopping bag.
- Avoid paying by credit card or debit card if you think the business will treat your data carelessly.
- When filling out applications for loans, credit, mobile phones, or other services, find out how the company stores and disposes of your files. Some auto dealerships, department stores, car rental agencies, and video stores have been known to treat customer applications carelessly. If you are not convinced that your information is safe, take your business elsewhere.
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*Benefits and services are subject to change without prior notification
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