Poll finds consumers have low awareness of ID theft risk
Despite the fact that identity fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S., more than 40 percent of local residents have little or no concern about it happening to them while traveling or visiting retail locations, according to a new AAA survey.
“While other crimes are dropping, ID theft has been growing by double-digit percentages in recent years, and our poll shows that many people have low awareness of how easily they can become victims,” said Mike Right, AAA vice president of Public Affairs.
There are many steps that travelers and consumers can take to protect themselves, Right advised, ranging from simply being more guarded about giving out your personal information to enrolling in a credit monitoring service.
Before taking a trip, Right cautioned travelers to remove unneeded credit cards and identification from their wallets and photocopy their ID or passport and store the copy in their luggage.
Consumers who use the Internet should make sure the sites they purchase from offer a secure, encrypted location to enter credit card information. Also, do not give out your credit card number, Social Security number or other personal information over the phone unless you are familiar with the merchant or you initiated the call.
Among the best ways to protect your identity is to sign up for a credit monitoring service.
AAA members can receive free credit monitoring and identity fraud resolution support from CreditCheck® Select*, a part of Experian®, just by signing up for the member benefit online at www.AAA.com/idtheft. The service includes free daily monitoring of your Experian® Credit Report and e-mail alerts of key changes to your report.
AAA members also save 30 percent on a more comprehensive solution offered by Experian® called ProtectMyID™, which monitors your credit reports daily for key changes at all three credit bureaus. It also scans the Internet for illicit use of your personal information in chat rooms and black market Web sites, and it provides change of address notifications to alert you if your address has been changed without your knowledge. ProtectMyID™ is backed by a $1 Million Product Guarantee, providing even more peace of mind.
AAA members save 30 percent on the monthly fee ($6.95 per month, or $69.95 for annual enrollment).
For additional information about ProtectMyID™, visit www.AAA.com/identity or call (877) 440-6943.
*CreditCheck® Select is provided by
ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian® Company. To be eligible to enroll, you must be at least 18 years of age and a current member. After you enroll, if for any reason you decide to cancel your CreditCheck® Select benefit, you may not re-enroll in this benefit at a later date. Benefit subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
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