Follow Patrick Linkedin Facebook
Email Patrick Email
Financial
Jun 1, 2017

Proven Techniques For Protecting Your Identity

Sponsored Content provided by Patrick Stoy - Mortgage Consultant/Owner, Market Consulting Mortgage

The annual gathering of receipts, W2s and 1099s and the filing of taxes is bad enough. But getting a message from the IRS that someone has already filed under your name has the potential to make any day go from bad to worse.

This form of identity theft occurs when a criminal acquires an individual’s social security number for the purpose of filing a fraudulent tax return. Though certainly not the only form of identity theft, it has been among the most popular in recent years, and this makes it a common cause of concern and conversation, especially during tax time.

Historically, the most popular choice for criminals who specialize in this segment has been to steal personal information - such as social security numbers, birthdates, hometowns, first pets, etc. - in hopes of opening a new credit card or accessing an existing account. Companies that have built a business around monitoring and protecting individuals from identity theft sometimes make it seem as if the problem is a common occurrence.

The reality of the situation is that identity theft only affected a little more than six percent of Americans last year, according to a study by Javelin Strategy and Research. Those who were unlucky enough to be a part of that crowd might have been happy or at least surprised to find out that it is most often the banks and credit card companies that have to eat the costs of identity theft and fraud, since the account holder’s liability is usually limited in the terms and conditions.

This does not mean it would be a good idea to be careless with your personal information.
Instead of paying for an expensive monthly service, however, it could be worthwhile to explore the following easy, do-it-yourself techniques for protecting your identity:

  • Opt out from pre-screened credit offers. Tell the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies you don’t want to receive offers of credit based on your information. Visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1–888–567–8688.
  • Register at Do Not Call. Let the telemarketers know you would prefer not to hear from them.Many people do not realize that mobile phone numbers can also be added to the National Do Not Call Registry, 888-382-1222.
  • Take your name off direct mail lists. Visit www.dmachoice.org to request to have your name removed from Direct Mail Association mailing lists.
  • Monitor credit scores and place alerts if necessary. It is a good idea to monitor your credit report and score through a free credit reporting service and/or one of the major credit reporting bureaus, such as Equifax, TransUnion or Experian.It’s also possible to place a fraud alert on your name if you think your identity has been comprised.
  • Review Social Security data. Keep an eye on your benefits and earnings statement from the Social Security Administration, and ensure your number hasn’t been used by someone else.
To find out about your options for securing a loan, please contact me at the number below.    

Patrick Stoy (NMLS Numbers 39527 and 39166) has 18 years of mortgage lending experience. Patrick is CEO of Wilmington-based Market Consulting Mortgage, which he started in 2005 with a mission to build lifelong customer relationships by providing real value. To learn more about Marketing Consulting Mortgage, visit www.macmtg.com. Patrick can be reached at [email protected] or 910-509-7105.
 

Other Posts from Patrick Stoy

Mcm 14jan insight
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Headshots march websized 2

Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for April Showers?

David Grandey - Highland Roofing Company
Jimheadshot

The Wilmington Construction Market: Trends, Recognition, and Challenges

Jim Hundley - Thomas Construction Group
Pfinder john zachary

What You Need to Know About SECURE 2.0 and Its Effect on Individual Retirement Accounts

John B Zachary - Pathfinder Wealth Consulting

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....


Berries, A Battlefield And More In Pender

The N.C. Blueberry Festival, founded in 2003, is one of several events in Pender County that have drawn more attention over the years....


Park Progress

The planning for Pender Commerce Park began in the early 2000s when the county wanted to create an economic driver on its largely rural west...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments