Is Expensive Identity Theft Protection Really Necessary?
I could not wait to do this post. It is so exciting to see that someone else is addressing this issue because I have been saying this to friends, individuals or anyone who would listen to me that monitoring companies are a waste of money. These companies cannot do anything to help you deter identity theft better than you. I will emphasize it again, no one can protect your identity better than you can.All you need to do is, be diligent about your records. You have the the right to ask questions if banks, loan officers or anyone asks for you personal information. Ask them to show you how they will protect your personal information if you do have to give it to them.
Be careful about giving out your information online. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. Check your bank account and credit card account after processing transactions online. Basically watch your accounts closely. Check you credit on a regular basis. Not once a month but everyday. Yes I said everyday. You get a free report once a year take advantage of it. It is free. Check your credit and make sure there is nothing on it that does not belong to you. These simple steps will make a difference for you. Using these so called Id Monitoring companies is a waste of your hard earned dollar. Use that money to fill your gas tank or get you a cup of coffee.
Here is a true example. Just before Christmas of 2012, a colleague of mine had her wallet stolen from her purse at the office. Within an hour, $5,000 dollars was charged to one of her credit cards at a CVS just down the street from the office. They purchased $5000 worth of gift cards. They had a nice Christmas wouldn't you say? .Unfortunately, she does have one of these companies who claim to monitor her accounts, however, she was notified by the credit card company rather than the monitoring company. Don't theit ads say they will alert you as soon as they see abnormal activity? Well that did not happen in this case. She received a call from the actual credit card company. In other words, they did nothing for her. If the credit card company had not alerted her, she would not have known she was being defrauded. I ask again, what purpose do they serve? No one will protect you but you. Just Do It.
Fraud is a Violent Crime- Prevent it.
