You need LifeLock because identity theft can affect a lot more than your credit
If you’re curious about whether you’re vulnerable to identity theft, try this simple experiment: Hold a mirror about two inches from your mouth. With your mouth open, exhale normally. Did the mirror fog? If so, you’re at risk.
Checking your credit report will alert you—after the fact—to fraudulent use of your existing accounts, or the establishment of any new accounts in your name. Checking your credit report regularly won’t prevent identity theft, but it will limit the damage done to your credit.
There’s more to worry about than your credit
What about identity theft that doesn’t show up on your credit report? What if someone else uses your identity when they have a run in with the law?
If you’re fortunate like Scott Rector of North Carolina, you might spot the arrest report in the newspaper.
Last week, a simple traffic stop resulted the arrest of a man claiming to be Rector. The man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without a license in his possession. Police took him to the station for fingerprinting and a mug shot, but he was then released.
The next day, the “real” Scott Rector picked up his local newspaper. And there it was: the report showing that he’d been arrested the day before. His name, age and address were all part of the article.
Yes, Scott Rector was fortunate to learn that someone else had been arrested using his identity as quickly as he did. But it would be a mistake to say he was lucky; the same thing happened to him once before in the mid ‘90s.
Visit LifeLock.com and learn about how they can protect you from identity theft. Find out why almost 1.5 million other Americans have chosen LifeLock for their identity theft protection. When you’re ready to enroll, use LifeLock promotion code Defense, and get the best price available.
Tags: criminal identity theft