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ID TheftSmart

Your identity is valuable asset. We can help you in the event that your identity is stolen.

What is Identity Theft
How Can We Help?
Identity theft is a serious crime that occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it for their own gain. This can lead to significant damage to your credit, finances, and even your reputation. Thieves often seek quick financial gain by using your identity to make purchases, obtain loans, or commit other fraudulent activities.

Common Signs of Identity Theft:

Missing Mail

Not receiving expected bills, statements, or other mail could indicate a change of address you didn’t initiate.

Unexpected Credit Offers

Receiving credit cards or loan offers you didn’t apply for.

Credit Denial

Being denied credit or offered less favorable terms (like high interest rates) for no apparent reason.

Employment Issues

Being denied employment due to a negative credit report or criminal record you don’t recognize.

Debt Collection Calls

Receiving calls or letters from debt collectors about accounts you don’t recognize.

Account Takeover vs. Identity Theft

Sometimes, fraudulent activity on an existing account is confused with full-blown identity theft. This is often referred to as “account takeover.” While still serious, it’s different from someone opening entirely new accounts in your name.

How Identity Thieves Can Use Your Information

Identity thieves can use your stolen information in a variety of ways, including:

  • Opening New Accounts: Creating new credit card or bank accounts in your name and running up charges or draining your existing funds.
  • Making Purchases: Buying goods or services using your name and address, leaving you with the bill.
  • Committing Crimes: Giving your name to law enforcement during an arrest, potentially leading to warrants issued in your name.
  • Obtaining Employment: Getting a job or filing fraudulent tax returns using your identity.
  • Renting Property or Setting Up Utilities: Leasing apartments or establishing utility services in your name.
  • Other Misuses: Taking out loans, obtaining driver’s licenses, or even filing for bankruptcy in your name.

The Impact of Identity Theft:

Identity theft can have devastating consequences, including:

  • Damaged Credit: Thieves can ruin your credit score, making it difficult to obtain loans, mortgages, or even rent an apartment.
  • Financial Loss: You could lose significant amounts of money due to unauthorized charges, loans, or other fraudulent activities.
  • Reputational Damage: Criminal activity committed in your name can tarnish your reputation.
  • Time and Stress: Restoring your identity can be a long and complicated process, causing significant stress and inconvenience.

Why Identity Theft Protection is Important

Identity theft protection services like ID TheftSmart can help you detect and resolve identity theft quickly and efficiently.

Monitoring

Regularly checking your credit reports, public records, and other personal information for suspicious activity, such as new accounts, address changes, or unusual transactions.

Alerts

Receiving timely notifications about potential threats to your identity, allowing you to take immediate action and prevent further damage.

Restoration Services

Assistance with restoring your identity if you become a victim, including help with contacting credit bureaus, law enforcement, and other relevant organizations.

ID TheftSmart offers comprehensive identity theft restoration services

  • Fraud Confirmation and Source Identification: Pinpointing the source and extent of the fraudulent activity.
  • Investigation: Thorough investigation of known and unknown fraudulent activity.
  • Organization and Explanation of Rights: Helping you understand your rights and organizing the details of your case.
  • Making Calls on Your Behalf: Contacting relevant organizations on your behalf to resolve issues.
  • Issuing Fraud Alerts: Placing fraud alerts with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the US Postal Service (USPS).
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft or need assistance, contact Kingston National Bank. We can connect you with the ID TheftSmart team for expert help and support.
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