http://scamalertusa.blogspot.com/Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and\nruin your good name.\nDeter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.\n Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.Protect your Social Security number. Don\'t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.Don\'t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless youknow who you are dealing with.Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails;instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls,anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protectyour home computer; keep them up-to-date.Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.Don\'t use an obvious password like your birth date,your mother\'s maiden name, or the last four digitsof your Social Security number.Keep your personal information in a secure placeat home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.Place a \"Fraud Alert\" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditorsto follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:Equifax: 1-800-525-6285Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven\'t contacted, accounts you didn\'t open, and debts on your accounts that you can\'t explain.Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copiesof supporting documents.Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.Ask for verification that the disputed account has\nbeen closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.\n Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.\n File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof\nof thecrime.\n Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across\nthe country in their investigations.\n Online: ftc.gov/idtheft\n By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)\nor TTY, 1-866-653-4261\n By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse,\nFederal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580\nFederal Trade Commission | 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20580 | 360, deal, free, game, play, scams, tutorial, video, xbox