DC Fraud Lawyer

Identity Theft is the illegal possession and manipulation of a person’s personal information such as name, social security number, credit card number, driver’s license number, bank account number, address, phone number, and personal identification number (PIN).

It is estimated that each year 10 million Americans fall victim to crimes related to stolen identities. These types of incidents vary from one fraud act to more complicated crimes. Many people found that a new credit card account has been opened on their name leaving an enormous amount of unpaid purchases charged to their credit. Some people found that car loans or a mortgage has been made in their name without their slightest knowledge. Others were just as surprised when they realized their bank accounts has been completely drained using forged checks or debit cards.

How do these imposters get away with these fraudulent acts? By getting their hands on anything that contains your personal details. They steal wallets, your mail, even old mail and past bills sent by the bank, insurance agencies, telephone companies, receipts, anything that has some identification numbers on it. And yes, they do search through your trash bins and garbage. They may also be just behind you at ATM stands, watching you enter your precious PIN number. These people are everywhere; they are on the internet, in your workplace, in public places- always on the look out for private information. They can even go as far as breaking into your home just to get this vital information.

Once they got this information, it could be as easy as calling your bank to increase your credit limit and that all your bills be sent to a new address. It could take months before you realize what has happened, since your bills are being sent to a new location. The next thing you’ll know you have hundreds or even thousands of dollars unpaid balances on your credit card. Just imagine what an infuriating and disheartening situation it could be for you!

So how do you know if your identity has been stolen? The warning signs may include:

* Your mail does not reach you

* Unusual details or charges on your account

* You receive unexpected calls from creditors

* You receive notices for a new credit card

* You have been denied credit

What should you do? You don’t really need to wait to for your creditors to call you up and inform you about fraudulent charges on your account. You should always keep yourself updated on all ydsjhgjzour credit accounts. Many credit card companies offer a service called credit watch and they will alert you every time a new account or inquiry is placed against your credit report.

Be cautious about your personal information. Do not write it or leave it anywhere except in a safe place. Do not carry all your credit cards on your wallet all the time. Bring only the ones you need to use. Be careful when using ATM, especially if there is another person behind you. Shred past mail, receipts, bills before you trash them. Destroy unused credit cards. Do not give any personal information through e-mail.

If your wallet has been stolen, notify your credit card issuer immediately. It is best to have the card cancelled and get another one with a new PIN. If you have not been receiving your mail, report this to your local postal inspector.

If you do suspect of a fraud, place an alert on your accounts right away. You may choose an initial alert which lasts for 90 days on your credit report. However, if you have been a victim of identity theft, you may ask for an extended alert on your credit report which lasts up to seven years. To place a fraud alert, you may contact any of the three consumer reporting companies through their toll-free numbers:

* Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; http://www.equifax.com;

P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 – 0241

* Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); http://www.experian.com;P.O. Box 9532 Allen , TX 75013

* TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; http://www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

You’ll be entitled for a free credit report so you can personally check on your accounts. Examine all the details on report, any companies you haven’t done business with, unfamiliar accounts, and if there are any unexplainable charges. Make sure that all your personal information like your name, address, SSN is exactly correct. If there is any incorrect detail, update it immediately.

If your account has really been corrupted, speak with someone from the fraud department of that company and notify them about it. Follow it up with a written report sent through registered mail. The letter must state that you dispute such charges due to their fraudulent nature. Request that these fraudulent debts be resolved and that the account be closed.

File a report with your local police. To find out if your state law accepts reports on identity theft, check your state Attorney General’s office at www.naag.org. You should also file a complaint at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Contact them by phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653- 4261, or by mail at:

Identity Theft Clearinghouse

Federal Trade Commission

600 Pennsylvania Avenue,

NW, Washington, DC, 20580

You can also visit the FTC website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Originally published here.

---

Liz Roberts

---

This workshop explains immigration options for aspiring entrepreneurs while in school, upon graduation, and in the long run. It is equally relevant for international students thinking about starting a company in the US as well as for anyone who wants to hire foreigners. Specific questions include how to start a business while in CPT/OPT (during summer and after graduation), how to self-sponsor a H-1B visa, the status on the new “start-up visa,” and how to ensure you can hire the best talent, regardless of nationality, for a start-up. Presented by Malcolm Goeschl Related Links www.gsb.stanford.ces www.youtube.com www.gsb.stanford.edu

Identity Theft – Protection & Recovery

What is Identity theft?
Identity theft is a serious crime and occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, social security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years – and money – cleaning up the mess thievers have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing, cars or even get arrested for crimes they didn’t commit.

Identity Fraud — A Rising Tide
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America! According to a Federal Trade Commission survey, 9.9 million Americans were victimized in the last 12 months — a level ten times higher than the agency previously estimated. The victims collectively reported $5 billion in out-of-pocket losses, due in large part because most victims don’t discover the fraud until it’s too late — perhaps even a year or more after the fact. Additional identity theft statistics include:

Identity theft is up about 80 percent from last year. As many as 33.4 million Americans were victims of identity theft since 1990. Nearly 85 percent of all victims discover their identity theft case in a negative manner (as opposed to proactive action taken by a creditor or business). In the past 12 months, 3.23 million consumers discovered that new accounts had been opened, and other frauds had been committed in their name.

For additional information, visit our online Learning Center and download our FREE, comprehensive Identity Theft Prevention Manual today.

Important Contact Information

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, call the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).

Social Security Administration (Fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Identity Theft Credit Repair Program
Ovation Credit Services Inc.
Call: 1 (866) 639 – 3426
www.ovationcredit.com

Rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule

To learn about your rights under the Telemarketing Sales Rule and how to protect yourself from fraudulent telephone sales practices, request a free copy of Straight Talk About Telemarketing.
Contact the Consumer Response Center at:

Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Toll free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
TDD 1-866-653-4261

Contact Us
Repairing your credit report is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. Ovation Credit Services is a trusted law firm that makes the process convenient, personal, and effective. If you have any other questions or need for credit report repair services, please contact us anytime.

Originally published here.

---

Robert Holland

---