AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters, Helping to Protect Your Good Name

AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 Privacy Matters Answers the Question, “What is Identity Theft?”

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters, a privacy and protection program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®,* defines identity theft as any instance when someone poses as you by stealing your personal information — such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other information without your consent — to buy merchandise, apply for credit cards or loans, and even take money out of your checking or savings accounts.

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters Provides Tips on Protecting Your Good Name

AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 Privacy Matters reports that identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, and the thought of being victimized by identify theft or credit card fraud is quite troubling. Unlawful use of your financial/credit information can be costly, have a negative affect your credit rating and score, and may take several months — even years to clear up and win back your good name. You can not always prevent identity theft, but you can lower your chances of becoming a victim by keeping a close watch over your personal information. Here are a general guidelines on how to help shield yourself and loved ones from becoming targets of identity theft.

1. Social Security Numbers

• Only carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet when you absolutely know you are going to need it, otherwise keep it in safe location at home.


• If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver’s license number, request that they use an alternative number.

2. Credit/Debit/ATM cards

• Never remind yourself of what your personal identification number (PIN) is by writing it on your credit/debit/ATM card. Keep all PIN’s in a secure location at home.


• Make copies of the front and back of all your credit/debit/ATM cards and put them in a safe or lockbox — somewhere other than your purse or wallet. Then, if your cards are lost or stolen, you will have the needed information to report the loss to your financial institution.


• Check credit card bills and bank statements regularly — monitor them for odd or unauthorized charges. Don’t be afraid to report or question charges that look unfamiliar — but don’t wait — do it as soon as you see a suspicious charge.


• Limit the number of credit cards you carry in your wallet. Keep only one or two on your person.


• Familiarize yourself with what is on your credit history by ordering a credit report at least once a year from the 3 major credit bureaus — Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.


• Turn down pre-approved credit card offers. These are easy to steal and easy to use. To get your name off pre-approved credit card lists, call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. The information goes only to the three major credit bureaus, and the information you give is used to prevent your credit history from being shared with companies that want to check your credit score and rating to see if you are a good candidate to offer a credit card to.

3. AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters Cautions Consumers About Internet “Phishing” Scams

Although the majority of incidents involving of identity theft occurr off-line, consumers must also be conscious of what is happening on the Internet. One of the most notorious online identity theft crimes is phishing. Thieves use spam or pop-up messages that claim to be from a business, financial institution or any other company in which you have shared your private information. The message usually asks for personal information because the company wants verify or update your account. If you give them what they are asking for, these criminals can steal your identity and ruin your credit.

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters also advises to keep the following points in mind.

• Legitimate companies do not ask for your personal, financial information by email or by phone.


• Don't email personal or financial information unless you were the originator of the contact by ordering an item through a company's website.

4. General Safety Tips

• Shred all of your personal and private documents that you are not using or is outdated.


• Report a lost or stolen driver’s license.


• Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if your mail has been stolen.


• Never give out credit card/debit card numbers, Social Security number, login names, passwords, or PIN numbers by phone, mail, or email unless you have initiated contact with the company. If you do receive a phone call, piece of mail or email requesting private information, verify it is genuine by calling the published Customer Service number (not the number given by the caller or sender) or send an email to the company’s legitimate email address.

In addition to instant online access to your credit report an score, AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 Privacy Matters also provides automatic weekly credit and fraud alerts and unlimited, toll-free access to a Credit Report Customer Service Representative. Consumers who are concerned about falling victim to an identity theft crime or want to manage what is being documented on their credit history can do so through AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters.

This article is brought to you by AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters

*AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 Privacy Matters and its benefit providers are not credit repair service providers and do not receive fees for such services, nor are they credit clinics, credit repair or credit services organizations or businesses, as defined by federal and state law.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Adaptive Marketing LLC^® is a category leader in membership programs, bringing value direct to consumers through an array of benefits in healthcare, discounts, security and personals. With broad online and offline distribution capabilities, Adaptive Marketing offers its corporate client partners effective tools to enhance market presence, strengthen customer affinity and generate additional value through programs such as AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 Privacy Matters.

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