Do Something Invaluable, But Inexpensive, To Protect Your Identity
Identity theft is an extremely prevalent and extremely hurtful crime in the United States today. Do what you can to protect your identity, or you might
be sorry later. Approximately 11 percent of Americans say they have been victims of identity theft or fraud since 1990. Identity theft is extremely crippling to its victims, leaving their lives and financial health in shambles. A recent Realty Times article has the
help you need to protect yourself from identity theft.
Know Your Vulnerability
Are you vulnerable to identity theft? When asked that question, you may counter, “How do I know?” Before you can make changes to protect your identity, you will need to know what changes you need to make. An excellent resource to use to determine
your vulnerability is The Identity Theft Resource Center’sTM vulnerability theft test, located at http://www.idtheftcenter.org/idthefttest.shtml. However, keep in mind that this test does not cover risks posed by using the Internet without virus software, spyware or other computer protection software.
Take Precautions
There are a variety of resources you can use for help on ways to protect yourself from thieves who work electronically, including the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness. Also, keep in mind that ID theft still often involves physical documents. Because
of this, you need to also protect your home. Always lock your doors and, if possible, install a security system. Do not give others access to your home without your supervision. If you have to do this for a cleaning service or repair person, make
sure documents with your personal information are in a locked, secure place. Also invest in a document shredder for credit card offers, checks from your credit card company or any other document with personal information. For additional crime prevention
tips, visit the National Crime Prevention Council at www.ncpc.org.
Guard Your Numbers with Your Life
Your Social Security number can be used to pay checks, apply for credit cards, obtain insurance coverage and a slew of other financial transactions. Your first step to protecting your Social Security number is to memorize it. Do not carry your Social
Security card in your wallet, do not write it on checks and do not give your number to anyone unless you initiate the transaction, whether it is an employment application, credit application or home loan application. Even if you initiate the transaction, ask anyone who asks for your Social Security number why they want it, how it will be used, how they will protect it and what will happen if you do not provide it. Most organizations that use Social Security numbers as an identifier, such as health insurance companies and the Department of Motor Vehicles, will provide you with an alternative ID number upon request. You should also protect your other personal numbers, such as credit card numbers, telephone numbers, address and driver’s license number. Also remember to frequently change your passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs), and
invest in a safe or lockable location to store important documents and sensitive information.
Check Credit Reports
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your credit report, especially if you have done a lot of spending or applied for a loan or credit card. You can visit www.annualcreditreport.com once every four months for a free credit report. Each time, a different one of the three major credit reporting agencies will provide you with free, easy monitoring of your credit.
Watch Your Own Records
You can also watch your own records by setting up online access to banking and credit accounts. Log in often to monitor transactions; this will enable you to investigate anything suspicious almost immediately. Finally, make it a habit to carefully scan all of
your financial statements each month to check for anything out of the ordinary.
The Royal Oak housing market is in demand right now. Many factors are responsible for the growth of this community; the location, being conveniently located to 1-75 and 696 makes commute time quicker and resale an attractive option to home buyers. The lack of new homes in the area will continue to allow Royal Oak to appreciate. Many communities in southeast Michigan have seen new home construction kill existing home values. And finally the area offers many things to do mainly for the younger adult population. The nightlife, dining and feel of a midtown locale offers endless entertainment and excitement..
Let Us Help You Find Your Next Home
The Royal Oak housing market is in demand right now. Many factors are responsible for the growth of this community; the location, being conveniently located to 1-75 and 696 makes commute time quicker and resale an attractive option to home buyers. The lack of new homes in the area will continue to allow Royal Oak to appreciate. Many communities in southeast Michigan have seen new home construction kill existing home values. And finally the area offers many things to do mainly for the younger adult population. The nightlife, dining and feel of a midtown locale offers endless entertainment and excitement
Reduce Home Buying Stress
Buying a home is stressful for many couples. Not only are they making decisions that will affect their lives for years to come, they are also being asked to make them under less-than-perfect circumstances - like an uncertain housing market.
Psychologist Linda Sapadin offers three stress minimizers to homebuying couples:
Don't turn on each other. "Recognize that this is a stressful process, and if you blame the other person, then what you usually get is counter-blame," she says. "So it's much better to put the blame on the process."
Don't expect perfection. "You want to assume that things are not going to go perfectly, that there's going to be some unexpected difficulties, expenses, problems to solve," Sapadin says, "so just know that up-front."
Speak to supporters before you speak to your critics. "There could be one relative who says, 'What?! You're spending that much money?' or 'You're moving there?' Don't tell that person until you and your partner are united," Sapadin says. "If there's some part of you that is uncertain, you don't want to undermine that uncertainty by speaking to your critics."
