FAQ

Identity Theft

ID Theft Assist

Credit Monitoring

Prevention Tips

Identity Theft

What is identity theft?

When someone obtains your personal information (name, Social Security Number, driver’s license, credit cards, etc.) and uses it without your knowledge for their own personal gain by committing fraud, theft, and other crimes.

It can be as simple as a lost credit card or a misplaced wallet, or as complicated as a corporate data breach resulting in the thief committing criminal activity in your name. Regardless of how it happens the damage caused can be devastating.

How can identity theft happen?

The Federal Trade Commission mentions the following ways and, unfortunately, the list grows longer each year.

  • Change of Address — divert your billing statements to another location,
  • Dumpster Diving — sifting through residential or commercial trash bins looking for identifying information such as pre-approved credit card applications,
  • Old-Fashioned Stealing — wallets, purses, mail, new checks, files, lap tops, etc.,
  • Pharming — redirecting legitimate web site traffic to another bogus web site,
  • Phishing — fraudulent emails asking you to confirm identifying personal information,
  • Skimming — theft of credit card numbers by using a small specialized storage device when processing your card,
  • Uncommon and Common Sources of Information —
    • ATM machines
    • Car dealerships
    • Corporate data breaches (hacked web sites, stolen documents, etc.)
    • County Government Offices (keepers of marriage, birth/death certificates, etc.)
    • Children’s bank or savings accounts
    • Discount Clubs
    • Employers (current and former)
    • Medical Centers
    • Restaurants (skimming)
    • Social Security Administration
    • Valet Parking — contents of your car (lap top, briefcase, car title, etc.)
What do thieves do with the information?

As cited by the Federal Trade Commission thieves may use it in the following fraudulent ways.

Credit card fraud:

  • They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the cards and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report.
  • They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there’s a problem.

Phone or utilities fraud:

  • They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name, or run up charges on your existing account.
  • They may use your name to get utility services like electricity, heating, or cable TV.

Bank/finance fraud:

  • They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account number.
  • They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks.
  • They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic withdrawals your name, draining your accounts.
  • They may take out a loan in your name.
  • They “wash” the ink off your check and rewrite it for a larger amount.

Government documents fraud:

  • They may get a driver’s license or official ID card issued in your name but with their picture.
  • They may use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits.
  • They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information.

Other fraud:

  • They may get a job using your Social Security number.
  • They may rent a house or get medical services using your name.
  • They may give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don’t show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.

ID Theft Assist

What is ID Theft Assist?

With the most liberal definition of identity theft ID Theft Assist provides resolution services to victims of identity theft. One phone call to our 24/7 emergency call center and trained specialists start the resolution process on your behalf.

ID Theft Assist includes complete resolution services for your immediate family and complimentary credit monitoring for one social security number. Our steps in restoring your identity may include notification to creditor fraud departments and the three major credit-reporting agencies; completion of the Federal Trade commission’s ID Theft Affidavit; medical identity theft protocol; criminal identity theft protocol; legal counseling and assistance; and emotional counseling.

There are, however, a few that we cannot. Mostly this involves obtaining new identification. We cannot obtain a new driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, or any other form of identification for the subscriber. However, we make the process as easy and quick as possible by having the necessary forms on file and can even fill out part of those forms on behalf of the subscriber.

Does ID Theft Assist cover my children and spouse?

Yes. Your membership covers the Covered Member; spouse or domestic partner; children under the age of 21 who live with the Covered Member; and children under the age of 24 who are full-time students. See our Terms of Service for more detailed information.

Does ID Theft Assist prevent my identity from being stolen?

No. No one can prevent your identity from being stolen. You must read the fine print of these services to understand the true extent of what they will and won’t do. The Europ Assistance Group has had 45 documented years of helping victims with emergencies around the globe. ID Theft Assist is an extension of their existing service with the same resolution specialists helping you get your life back in order. ID Theft Assist provides its members with detailed lists of actions to take that will reduce the likelihood.

My wallet has been stolen. What do I do?

As a subscriber to the service, you would call our 24/7 emergency call center. We would access your credit history, capture all the needed information, review it with you to ensure no false accounts have been opened, and begin the process of canceling/reissuing your credit cards and any other items that were included in your wallet.

What if the theft occurs while I am traveling?

ID Theft Assist can service the subscriber worldwide. We have 36 assistance centers, over 200 agents around the world, and speak 28 different languages. We even have the ability to wire cash advances, charged against a credit card, in emergencies. Call us — collect.

Will there be any trouble in removing fraudulent accounts from my record?

There could be, but in those cases our Fraud Resolution Specialists would take over your case. These are highly trained, legal professionals with one or more of the following credentials: licensed attorney, practitioner with Master’s Level or certification in Dispute Resolution or Fair Debt Credit Practices, experience in prosecuting criminal acts or over five year’s other relevant legal experience.

Can there be any psychological effects of identity theft?

Yes, there could be. As part of the service, subscribers have 24/7 unlimited access to Master’s level consultants to help alleviate any stress and anxiety caused by an identity theft.

Do I receive any compensation if my identity is stolen?

No. ID Theft Assist is a service, not an insurance policy. There are insurance policies that will offer monetary benefits for a stolen identity with many capping the benefits. We save you the time so work does not have to be missed, and we have no cap on the amount of time we will spend in restoring your identity. The real cost is the amount of time it takes to repair the damage and not the cost of the breach.

Is giving you my information adding to my risk of becoming a victim?

For your protection, ID Theft Assist does not ask for your personal information until we start the resolution process on your behalf. When you call us to report a problem, you must give us permission to access your credit report. Nothing will happen until you give us the go ahead. It is another level of security to you.

Credit Monitoring

Does ID Theft Assist include credit monitoring?

Yes. ID Theft Assist includes complimentary TransUnion credit monitoring for one social security number. After enrolling in ID Theft Assist you are then instructed to activate your complimentary credit monitoring service. If you wish to have credit monitoring for additional social security numbers this may be done at that time.

Do I need credit monitoring for my children?

Not necessarily. Everyone is entitled to receive a free copy of their credit report from each reporting agency (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) once a year. For your children you may call and obtain this report and monitor their credit without having the additional cost of credit monitoring.

How many free credit reports am I entitled to each year?

You are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the credit reporting bureaus.

What is the difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze?

A fraud alert is a notice placed on your credit report file that alerts potential creditors that they must use “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before they issue credit. Fraud alerts are either “initial” or “extended.” If you suspect or you have been a victim an “initial” fraud alert lasts for 90 days. If you have been a victim, an “extended” alert will last for seven years.

A credit freeze does just that, it restricts access to your credit report. If a creditor requires a credit report to offer credit, a credit freeze on your account would not allow to extension of credit.

Although the use of alerts and freezes can be effective, they can also be very cumbersome. In addition, as noted above, 79% of all identity theft comes from the fraudulent use of existing accounts, so neither the alert or freeze will do anything to help.

Prevention Tips

Your wallet or purse
  • Carry only what you need: drivers license, one or two credit cards.
  • Carry a second form of picture identification in addition to your driver’s license.
  • Do not carry your social security card with you.
Your credit report
  • Annually check your credit report free with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
    • Order Online: www.annualcreditreport.com
    • Order Toll-Free: 877-322-8228
    • Order Mail: complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form available from www.ftc.gov/credit and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
  • Monitor your credit weekly or monthly via ID Theft Assist complimentary Credit Monitoring Service available upon enrollment.
  • Check the credit report of your children annually.
Your mail
  • Opt-out of free credit offers by:
    • Toll-Free: 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688)
    • Online: www.optoutprescreen.com NOTE: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number which the consumer reporting companies need to match you with your file.
  • BUY a crosscut/confetti shredder and shred everything, e.g., credit offers, expired credit and other cards, receipts, medical prescription labels, financial statements, etc. Learn what to shred: www.fightidentitytheft.com/shred.html.
  • AWAY FROM HOME: call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 to place a vacation hold on your mail.
  • Use a secure mailbox. Deposit your outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.
  • Pick up new checks from the bank instead of mailing them to your home address.

  • Remove your name from mailing lists by contact the Direct Marketing Association:

    Mail Preference Service
    Attention: Dept.9301235
    Direct Marketing Association
    P.O. Box 643
    Carmel, NY 10512

Your Social Security Number
  • Do not carry it with you.
  • Remove it from other forms of identification: drivers license, health insurance, checks, etc. The Department of Motor Vehicles and your health insurance company will give you a new card number if you request it.
  • Ask for only the last four digits of your social security number to appear on your credit reports.
Your financial statements
  • Review credit card, bank statements and other financial statements for unauthorized activity.
  • Cancel unused credit card accounts as their account numbers still appear on your credit report even if you do not use them.
  • Do not give your credit or debit cards to anyone.
  • If your statement is late call the financial institution.
Your computer
  • Do not send confidential information in an email.
  • Use anti-virus and firewall protection and keep them updated.
  • Keep computers offline when not in use.
  • Change your account login/password (PIN) information frequently.
  • Do not enter personal information in pop-up messages or emails. Do not click on the message. Do not reply.
  • Remove yourself from online directories:
Your telephone, name and home
  • Secure your personal information in your home.
  • Stop Unsolicited Calls by contacting the National Do Not Call Registry immediately. It is free and effective for five years:
  • Beware when responding to promotions and surveys. Never give out your personal information.
  • Beware when responding to callers wanting to update or confirm your personal information.
  • Remove your name from the database of look-up companies for purposes of identity theft prevention:
    • Lexis-Nexis: 800-227-9597
    • Information America, Inc.: 800-235-4008
Your vehicle
  • Do not leave personal information in your car.
  • Beware of valet parking when your car contains a lap top computer, a briefcase, files and other identifying personal information.
  • Purchasing a car? Make sure the title and registration match the name and address of the individual selling you the car. Beware of a seller with no phone number, address or employment.