Beware of Identity Theft: How to Protect Yourself
It all began when someone stole bank checks from the Minnesota woman's mailbox.
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October 23, 2009
Catherine Estergren knows a lot about identity theft - she spent nearly two years battling collection agencies that went after her for bad checks someone had been writing in her name. After surviving a nightmare, she is now sharing her story so that others may take steps to protect themselves.
It all began when someone stole bank checks from the Minnesota woman's mailbox. Soon thereafter, seven thousand dollars went missing from her account and the collection letters started arriving, according to KAALTV.com.
Estergren shared her story during the recently marked National Protect Your Identity Week because - she told the news provider - she doesn't want something like that to happen to anyone else.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, a total of 8.3 million American adults fell victims of identity theft in 2005, and its latest estimates suggest ID theft increased by 21 percent in 2008.
Security experts say the consequences of identity theft can be devastating, but simple steps can significantly minimize the risk. They advise that individuals regularly monitor their financial accounts, check their social security statement and credit report annually, and limit the amount of information they put on checks or give out over the internet.
As for Catherine Estergren's advice - "[Do] not ever, ever, ever have your banks send you checks," she told the news source.
People struggling with identity crimes may turn to the Identity Theft Resource Center for help with accessing valuable resources.
Catherine Estergren knows a lot about identity theft - she spent nearly two years battling collection agencies that went after her for bad checks someone had been writing in her name. After surviving a nightmare, she is now sharing her story so that others may take steps to protect themselves.
It all began when someone stole bank checks from the Minnesota woman's mailbox. Soon thereafter, seven thousand dollars went missing from her account and the collection letters started arriving, according to KAALTV.com.
Estergren shared her story during the recently marked National Protect Your Identity Week because - she told the news provider - she doesn't want something like that to happen to anyone else.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, a total of 8.3 million American adults fell victims of identity theft in 2005, and its latest estimates suggest ID theft increased by 21 percent in 2008.
Security experts say the consequences of identity theft can be devastating, but simple steps can significantly minimize the risk. They advise that individuals regularly monitor their financial accounts, check their social security statement and credit report annually, and limit the amount of information they put on checks or give out over the internet.
As for Catherine Estergren's advice - "[Do] not ever, ever, ever have your banks send you checks," she told the news source.
People struggling with identity crimes may turn to the Identity Theft Resource Center for help with accessing valuable resources.
