Identity Theft: Why You Should Be Worried

How big of a problem is identity theft, really? And how concerned should you be about it?

Identity theft can make a huge negative impact on your credit score. It’s a big problem too – identity theft totaled 43% of the consumer fraud complaints made to the Federal Trade Commission in 2002. A low credit score can keep you from getting credit cards, loans, an apartment, or even a job.

The best ways to prevent theft: Keep a vigilant eye on your financial statements, and call about anything unfamiliar. Order your credit report for free on AnnualCreditReport.com, and make sure that it’s accurate. Consider a credit-score monitoring service or a credit freeze.

Identity Theft: Why You Should Be Worried