Picture this.  It is time to go over your expenses and pay your monthly bills.  When checking your credit card bill for the golf clubs you purchased last month, and the iPod you bought for Nicole, you see that not only are these charges present but so are number of others that you don’t recognize.  In fact, your credit card has been completely depleted of its available balance and has an overage of $500!

The sinking suspicion you feel is correct- you are a victim of identity theft!

Out of every 100,000 people, roughly 67 report an identity theft claim.  Identity theft scams are on the rise and, despite the perception, it is not just the elderly who fall victim to them.  The criminals that want your information and intend to assume your identity have proven that they will go to any length to get it- some by stealing mail, some by using internet pop-ups, and some get it from the most reliable source- YOU.  Many identity theft situations can be traced back to the victim giving out their own information over the phone! 

The effects of identity theft can be horrifying.  Your previously well-protected credit score can be ruined, leading to further financial troubles in the future.

It is extremely important that we counteract this criminal activity by protecting ourselves.  As you enter into the holiday season, criminal activity runs more rampant.  Here are some suggestions on how to protect yourself from identity theft:

• Protect your Social Security Number.  Do not carry your social security card in your wallet and do not print your driver’s license or social security number on your checks.
• Protect your passwords.  Do not share them with others or write them down.  Be sure to have a different password for each account and do not make the passwords something obvious like date of birth or your mother’s maiden name.
• Protect your mail. Opt out of pre-approved credit card applications by calling 1-800-5-OPT-OUT.  Do not leave incoming or outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox that is easily accessible to criminals.
• Review your credit reports annually.  Execute a Security Freeze to stop criminals from getting new credit in your name.
• Know the scams.  Never give out your personal information over the phone unless you are certain of who is on the other end.  Visit www.noscamnc.gov  for more information.
• Invest in Identity Theft Insurance.  Sometimes even taking the proper steps to protecting yourself does not always prevent someone from stealing your information.  Identity Theft insurance can be purchased from your credit card vendors or through your insurance agent and can help to pay for restoring your personal identity information and reinstate correct credit report information.

For more information on how AAA can help you with your identity theft insurance needs, please feel free to contact Devon Kaplan at 919.832.6411 ext 9301#.

This article was brought to you by Steven W. Nelson.

Steven was licensed in 1999 and has recently joined the Keller Williams Realty for the opportunity to better serve his clients. He has a BA in Business Administration and has most recently been a sales representative in the Home Improvement industry. His motto in business is to “not just satisfy the customer, but make him/her, raving fans through ultimate customer service.” When not selling homes or meeting with clients, you can find him on the golf course, reading, working with the youth at his church, or watching hockey or sports in general. He and his new bride reside in North Raleigh in their dream home, an English style townhouse. He has no children, but he does have a miniature schnauzer named Snickers. He and his wife are members of the Capital City Club where Steven is the Vice Chairman of the Young Executives Club and chairman of the Philanthropy committee. As Chair of the Philanthropy Committee, he was a Team Captain for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and volunteered for the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf. He has also served on the planning committee for the Big Bad Ball, which is a black tie event that raises much needed funds for the Hospice of Wake County. Additionally, he coaches youth basketball and sponsors a YMCA basketball team. He feels that it is very important to give back to the community.

As a Realtor, he specializes in Customer Service and negotiates the best price and terms for his clients. He makes his living selling real estate, but his life is fulfilled by helping people navigate the home buying and selling process. He aims to make it as stress free as possible. Contact him to see how he can assist you in your real estates needs or visit his website for his buyer’s packet or to search for homes.

Honest! Integrity! RESULTS!!!

Steven W. Nelson, Broker

Ida Terbet Team

Keller Williams-N. Raleigh

Ph: 919-604-6135

Email: StevenW@IdaTerbet.com

Web: www.StevenNelsonHomes.com

Company Profile

 

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams® Realty Inc. is an international real estate company with more than 700 offices located across the U.S. and Canada. Keller Williams began franchising its offices in 1991, and following years of phenomenal growth and success, Keller Williams is currently the fourth-largest U.S. residential real estate firm in North America. The company has succeeded by treating its 72,000-plus associates as partners and shares its knowledge, policy control, and company profits on a system-wide basis.

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