I have to thank you all for your business and referrals over the past year. As your local Fiero Realtor it has been my pleasure to assist many of you with your Real Estate questions and needs. But I have realized that many of the PMs and emails I get are starting to sound a bit repetitive. In the interest of answering your questions efficiently I am beginning a series discussing various topics that are forefront in your minds.
Each topic will begin the same, Toddster's Real Estate Series: _______" and the name of the topic. This will make searching easier if you forget to bookmark a thread. The topics covered will include how to find a GOOD Real Estate Agent, Property Investment, Home Improvements, Insurance, and much more.
I did a thread about credit earlier and someone raised the question of Identity Theft. This is the largest growing crime in America today..or the world for that matter. So I though I would take minute to do a quick run down on how to pretect your identity.
1) Buy a shredder! And get one that does CDs as well as paper. They are relatively cheap at Staples or Office Depot and you should use it religiously. I shred ANYTHING that comes to me in the mail that has personal information on it that I no longer need. The most common way people get your identity is stealing your garbage. Their favorite excuse is "I was just looking for Aluminum cans". The fact is that once you put your garbage on the curb, ANYONE can take it LEGALLY! So make sure there is nothing in it you don't want anyone to have.
2) Protect your Social Security number and NEVEr give it out unless absolutely required by law!
3) Check your credit report annually (at a minimum). The 3 credit reporting companies are:
Trans Union
www.tuc.comExperian
www.experian.comEquifax
www.equifax.com4) Block your name from marketing lists and remove it from pre-approved credit card offers by calling (888) 567-8688
5) Don't carry your birth certificate, extra credit cards, or social security cards with you for regualr errands
6) Keep all confidential info in a safety deposit box or safe
7) ONLY use reliable online transaction clearing houses
8) pay attention to clerks using your card in a store. If they still use manual credit card machines ask for the carbon paper.
9) add a firewall and/or router to your computer if you have an internet connection
10) If you suspect your ID have been stolen call police immediately and check out these sites:
www.idtheftcenter.orgwww.consumer.gov/idtheftIf your identity has been stolen you will need to engage the services of a credit repair firm. Email me for more details.
