Do You Know The FIVE Types of Identity Theft?

Did you know that Identity Theft is not just limited to our financial identity? When I mention Identity Theft to many individuals, the first thing that they say is, "I would love to have someone steal my identity, I have nothing to take." Sound familiar? Well, that is a statement made by an uninformed individual. Someone that has not been educated in the FIVE types of identity that we ALL posses and that we ALL can have stolen. What are they you ask? Here they are along with a short explanation of each.

♦ Financial or Credit. When existing credit card or bank accounts are taken over by thieves, loans are made or new accounts are created in a false name, you're the victim of identity theft. You may need a lawyer's help to stop collection calls and a credit-restoration service to get your credit straightened out. A credit monitoring service will watch your credit report and alert you of any new and possible fraudulent activity.

♦ Social Security Number. When someone uses your SSN to obtain employment, you've been the victim of identity theft. The thief's income is reported to the IRS under your number, and you are expected to pay taxes on those earnings. A lawyer can work with the IRS on your behalf to get the matter corrected.

♦ Driver's License. When a thief using a fake ID with your drivers license number is pulled over for DWI, it's your record that's at risk. A lawyer can have your record corrected with the police and your insurance company.

♦ Medical. Your medical record lets hospitals and doctors know how best to treat you. It's also used by insurance companies to determine whether to offer you coverage and the rates you'll pay. If someone uses your insurance to obtain medical treatment or prescriptions, your medical record can be affected. Without a lawyer's assistance, it's extremely difficult to have the records corrected.

♦ Criminal or Character. When someone commits a crime while impersonating you, you've been a victim of identity theft. If your name appears on a sexual crimes list in your county or state, you could lose or be denied employment. Not only will you need help getting your criminal record corrected to eliminate arrest warrants, you'll also need help removing your name from watchdog lists.

Have I scared you yet? Someone's identity is being at the alarming rates of one every three seconds and that is not just in the United States; this crime is now World Wide.

If you would like to find out how you can protect yourself, please check out the following link to my website for more information.

Identity Theft

Contact Me Soon.

Lisa Spikberg
Independent Associate
Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist
PrePaid Legal Services, Inc.
lisaspikberg.ppl@gmail.com

It 's Going To Be A Glorious Day: Enjoy The Simple Things In Life.

Good Morning Everyone

I know that we have gotten hit hard around here during the recent winter storm. The ice has caused major power outages, Internet mishaps, and sporadic phone service interruptions. It has made me sit down and take a long hard look at the simple things in life.

What ever happened to the simple things? The days before cable, satellite dishes, computers, and cell phones? Life just got in the way and we all became too dependent upon electronics and the speed at which they can make things happen. In the past few days I have read a good book, sat by the fire, and threw an extra blanket on the bed. Simple things at best, but amazing things to do if you think about it. The simple life is just that; simple, yet effective.

As I said, today is going to be a glorious day. Why you ask? Because I am alive and full of joy, love and appreciation; not only for myself, but also for those around me. We may not have all the creature comforts of life right now, but we do have the most important ones; our health, our life, and the love of our family and friends. What more could anyone really ask for or expect out of life? The simple things in life are those most valuable and priceless things that we could ever have or ask for. Best of all they are free.

So, on that note, I would like to leave you know with a final quote from Dale Carnegie, "Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." Until we meet again, have a great day and keep smiling. Lisa