Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S. Most people have heard about identity thieves who target credit card companies, banks and other financial institutions. However, identity theft can also be used to acquire utilities, insurance, employment, rental agreements, health and welfare benefits, divert arrest warrants for criminal activities onto another person, and even steal tax refunds.

HACKERS FILED YOUR INCOME TAX EARLY!
The most common form of tax-related identity theft involves thieves using stolen Social Security Numbers (SSNs) to file forged tax returns and get refunds early in the filing season.

Identity thieves use a variety of schemes to steal identities: theft of a purse or wallet, raiding mailboxes or trash bins, phone calls and email solicitations, hacking personal information databases, and many others. Every year there are many high profile hacks of large businesses, healthcare, online service providers, financial institutions, communications and government records exposing millions of consumer's personal data. There are new revelations about massive data breaches nearly every week.

It is fair to assume that all our Social Security numbers and personal information is now in the hands of cyber criminals.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• SHRED SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS – To guard against crimes of opportunity, continue to guard and shred your sensitive documents.
• IDENTITY RECOVERY INSURANCE – For as little as $1 per month you can add this protection to your Homeowners Insurance policy. Coverage includes the personal assistance of an identity recovery assistant, up to $25,000 for related expenses; and, lost wages, child and eldercare assistance of $250 per day up to $5,000 total. 
• MONITOR ACTIVITY – Frequently check your bank statements, your credit accounts and your credit report for unusual activity. You’re entitled to a free credit report once a year from all three reporting agencies via Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance and Security Awareness and Identity Theft
• IF ATTACKED –The victims of identity theft in their tax records will receive a dreaded IRS 5071C letter and need to verify their identity at idverify.irs.gov. For general identity theft, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission site here for additional information.

Contact your Agent at AMERICAN INSURANCE or by appointment today to get more information and a free quote for Identity Theft Insurance.