When You're Not You
Many years ago, I "appropriated" identities and got away with it.
I would play Roy Rogers or Gene Autry.....Hopalong Cassidy twice - the movie cowboy and the football hero - John Wayne, Otto Graham, Lou Boudreau, Bob Feller, and I won't tell you who I am these days.
Real identity theft is not funny. Our Sunday paper offered some advice, which we pass along. Three things that haunt:
1. Someone using your credit card numbers to buy things.
The "expert" says it's important to check our accounts regularly for suspicious charges.
2. Someone opening new credit accounts or borrows your name.
Third-party companies offer credit monitoring for a monthly fee. The downside? It's passive and retroactive.
A fraud alert is free. When anyone tries to open a credit account in your name, add a new card to an existing account or raise your credit limit - the lender should verify that it's you, for example, by calling you.
You can call any of three credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian or TransUnion - to place a fraud alert for 90 days. After that it's renewable. Federal Trade Commission information is available:
www.consumer/ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert.
With a credit freeze, no third party can access your credit report until the freeze is lifted, even you. You would call to have it lifted, which takes about three days. There may be a small fee.
Some consumer groups recommend initiating credit freezes with all three.
3. Someone using your information to file a tax return and claim a refund (preventing you from filing).
The IRS is increasing enforcement and safeguards. We are advised to file early each year, and pay attention to any mail from the IRS. They don't ask for information over the phone.
Anya Kamenetz
Jimmy
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