Detecting identity theft: the quicker the better

To minimize the effects of ID theft, selfdetection is the best protection.

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe:

• Monitor your account balances and activity at least weekly. This will help you catch the fraud earlier. Access your account through the Internet or by telephone, rather than wait for a paper statement.

• If you do not have access to online accounts, review mailed bank and credit card statements monthly. You have 30 days from the date of your bank statement to report check fraud - 60 days to report credit card fraud - and the most for which you will be liable is $50.

• Monitor your credit report at least annually. Since it is harder to detect someone using your identity to open new accounts, reviewing your credit report is crucial.

• Get a free report each year from the three credit agencies (Equifax, Experian & TransUnion) at a single phone number 1-877-322-8228 or Web site www.annualcreditreport. com online. Space the three reports out over the year instead of getting all three at once.

• Consider paying bills online or through automated plans. You can safely pay bills online through secure Internet sites or use automated plans.

• Password-protect your computer and sensitive files; ensure your computer has a firewall to protect from Internet attacks; regularly update your anti-virus/anti-spyware software; keep your operating system security features current.

For assistance call the Sheriff's Office Fraud Line at 477-1242.

CASE, Communities Against Senior

Exploitation, is a Partnership of the Lee

County Sheriff's Office and the community

to prevent elder financial exploitation. ¦

Via : florida-weekly.com