As a leader in real estate, I am repeatedly asked specific questions about today’s market – especially in today’s economy. In an effort to provide more information to my community, I am sending you this Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking Systemsm “e-Article,” in which I provide useful real estate information to my real estate networks. If you find the enclosed information beneficial to your family and friends, I encourage you to forward it to your “social network” as well.

9 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Because a stolen identity enables criminals to default on loans, get driver’s licenses and other documents in your name, and even open new lines of credit, ID theft can ruin your good name, destroy your credit, and cost you dearly in time and money to get your affairs straightened out.

While there are no fool-proof ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission offers practical tips to help protect yourself.

The FTC recommends taking the following precautions:

- Shred statements and other documents containing personal information before discarding them.
- Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet, and keep it in a secure place at home.
- Never give out personal information or account numbers over the phone, the Internet or through the mail unless you know for certain who you are dealing with.
- Be sure the anti-spyware/anti-virus software programs on your home computer are up to date – and do not click on links sent to you in unsolicited e-mails.
- Be alert to unexpected bills, bills that do not come in as expected, denials of credit for no apparent reason, and calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
- Inspect your credit report annually – and put a “fraud alert” in place on Equifax, Experian and/or TransUnion the moment you suspect a problem.
- Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established in your name without your knowledge.
- File a police report to help with creditors who ask for proof that you may have been a victim.
- Report wrongdoings to the Federal Trade Commission, which works with law enforcement in their investigations of fraud.

For more information, please visit www.ftc.gov or, in Canada, www.safecanada.ca.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am committed to bringing you relevant information regarding real estate and personal finances. For more information, please feel free to e-mail me. Please also feel free to forward this e-mail to any family members and friends who might also benefit from this information.

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