Beware of Identity Theft — the Experience Can Be Life-Changing
August 1, 2011 by admin
Filed under Finance & Loans
Anyone who cares about maintaining their good credit score must be aware of the risk to their reputation that identity theft poses. Because of the explosion of e-commerce, the way personal and financial information is stored has dramatically changed and more people can gain access to it. If someone takes on your identity to commit fraud, even if your name is cleared with the police, your name will still remain tied to a felony in countless databases. Fully clearing your name of wrongdoing, after your identity has been stolen, is not as easy as one would hope.
Furthermore, your ability to find employment, apply for credit, or loans will be compromised. Law enforcement officials have a limited capacity to clear the name of a victim of identity theft. If a crime was committed in your name, the police will conduct an investigation to confirm that the crime was in fact carried out by someone else posing as you. But once they reach their conclusion, all the police can do is attach to your record a letter written by the prosecutor declaring that you were not convicted of the charges. The terrible thing is that your name is now attached to a criminal record. Needless to say, these are very hard to explain away when speaking to prospective employers.
Don’t let identity theft hurt your economic prospects. Avail yourself of a free credit score online today to keep tabs on your credit’s progress and to notice right away if anything is amiss.
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