It is estimated that over 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each, and every, year. Worldwide, the total number of victims amount to a staggering figure! Yet, not many people have identity theft insurance coverage. Let’s take a look at how identity theft occurs and what you can do to protect yourself.
How does Identity Theft occur?
This crime can take the form of someone stealing any of your personal information. This includes the theft of your name, your Social Security number, credit card(s), financial account information, etc. which someone can use to commit fraud or other crimes.
What types of Identity Theft are being committed?
Identity Theft can simply start with the misuse of any personal information. These crimes can take many forms, and usually go undetected until months after they occur.
A few examples of Identity Theft include:
- Simple act of stealing: Theft of credit cards and banking information, wallets, purses, tax information, mail and other personal records.
- Skimming: Theft by means of using a storage device when processing your credit card purchase.
- Dumpster Diving: Yes, it’s true! Thieves are even going through trash to look for ways of stealing a person’s identity.
- Phishing: Thieves are sending unsuspecting victims spam, or pop-up, messages in hopes of gaining access to personal & financial information.
What can you do to protect yourself from Identity Theft?
- Safeguard your personal & financial information as much as possible.
- Check your credit report periodically to detect any fraudulent activity, and report any concerns to the proper authorities.
- Add identity theft coverage to your homeowners policy.
What Does Identity Theft Insurance Coverage Provide?
In addition to going undetected in many cases, these crimes are expensive and time-consuming to restore one’s identity. Identity theft insurance coverage can be added to your insurance portfolio to help offset the restoration expenses involved, and can include various legal costs, identity restoration services and other out-of-pocket costs arising from this crime. Identity theft insurance is very inexpensive, typically starting at about $25 per year, and usually provides $25,000 of coverage for legal fees and other costs associated with restoring your identity. Identity theft insurance coverage is well worth the minimal cost!
For further information on this topic, please contact me at MGarver@SouthernStatesInsurance.com or call me at (678) 715-0363.