Identity Theft Problem Solution
We live in an information-oriented society. Technology allows us
to do business and make transactions literally in a matter of
seconds. This abundance of information has given rise to a new
crime - identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003 release
from the Federal Trade Commission, almost 10 million people in
the United States may be victimized by identity bandits each
year.
So what does that mean? Someone has stolen your credit card -
your credit card company can help you with that, right? Well,
according to the FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues don’t
pertain to your existing credit card accounts. Identity theft
can occur as a result of new lines of credit being opened in
your name either through credit cards or bank loans as well as
phone/utility fraud and even employment related fraud. Because
we are susceptible through so many avenues in our daily life, we
are all at risk.
What can you do? Where would you turn if you found yourself in
this situation? Would you know where to start to clear your
name? Well, now you don’t have to worry about what to do as we
have the answer.
As you already know, Pre-Paid Legal Services®, Inc. is a pioneer
of the legal services industry. With more than 30 years of
experience in providing legal rights protection to our members,
we have now teamed with Kroll Inc., the world’s leading
independent risk consulting company. Kroll is a 30 year old,
publicly traded company that provides a broad range of
investigative, intelligence, financial, security, and technology
services to help clients reduce risks, solve problems, and
capitalize on opportunities. Headquartered in New York with more
than 60 offices on six continents, Kroll has a multidisciplinary
corps of more than 2,200 employees and serves a global clientele
of law firms, financial institutions, corporations, nonprofit
institutions, government agencies, and individuals. Over the
last three years, Kroll has developed a unique solution for
victims of identity theft. This new service is now available to
Pre-Paid Legal members through the IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD benefit.
What does this benefit provide our members?
The Identity Theft Shield gives you easy access to the resources
you need to understand your credit ratings and to fight back if
an identity thief threatens your financial standing. This
benefit is designed to alert you to suspicious account activity,
to restore any resulting damage to your credit history and to
reimburse you for covered out-of-pocket expenses you may incur
in the process.
1. Credit Report Through Experian Make sure your financial
records are accurate. Your credit standing is one of your most
important financial assets. It not only affects your ability to
get credit, it often dictates the interest rate at which you can
borrow. It can also affect your ability to purchase insurance or
to find employment. Some insurance companies and prospective
employers use your credit rating to gauge your sense of
responsibility. Experts recommend you review your credit report
regularly. The Identity Theft Shield makes it easy. Members are
entitled to an up-to-date credit report from Experian at no
additional charge.
Personal Credit Score and Analysis from Experian Know your
credit score . . . and how it affects your ability to borrow.
Your credit score is derived from the information in your credit
report. This score is used by lenders to determine your
creditworthiness. The higher the number, the better your chance
of being approved for the credit you want. A detailed analysis
of your Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit
Report. You can use this analysis to evaluate your current
credit standing.
2. Continuous Credit Monitoring Through Experian Learn of
suspicious activity before your credit is ruined. A professional
thief can assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can
take years for you to repair your credit standing. Early
detection is key to minimizing the damage caused by thieves who
steal you name. With your Identity Theft Shield membership, your
credit files will be monitored through Experian daily.
Suspicious activity will be brought to your attention, providing
you with early detection. You’ll receive prompt notice if any
new accounts are opened in your name . . . or if negative
notations are added to your credit report.
3. Fraud Restoration Service Get personal assistance and advice
from experts. Any discrepancy in your credit report should be
addressed at once. Call our Customer Services Department at the
designated Identity Theft Shield number and explain your
concerns. If it is identity theft, our fraud investigators will
assist you every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package
with complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions
will be rushed to you.
If you sign a Limited Power of Attorney, you will be entitled to
Enhanced Restoration Services. Kroll will work with you to
determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding
your identity. On your behalf, Kroll will issue fraud alerts to
the three major credit repositories, the Federal Trade
Commission, the Social Security Administration, and the United
States Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus,
creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit
accuracy with regard to your identity theft issues. If necessary
and reasonable, Kroll will work with law enforcement, the
department of motor vehicles, and other organizations to resolve
your identity theft issues
If you decline the Limited Power of Attorney, you will receive
Basic Consulting Services. Kroll will work with you to determine
the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your
identity. Kroll will provide you with contact information and
procedures for the organizations you will need to work with.
Kroll will provide sample letters and forms and be available to
you through a toll-free phone number for assistance and advice
throughout the process of restoring your identity.
Now, it is important to understand any identity theft that
occurred prior to the membership enrollment or any situations
relating to a business identity are not covered. Identity
Restoration will not apply if the identity theft is the result
of a dishonest, criminal, malicious, or fraudulent act you, your
spouse, or child participated in, directed, or had knowledge of.
Restoration services will not be provided for a preexisting,
known stolen identity event. You must be an active, paid member
to receive restoration services. Plan benefits do not cover
financial losses arising from the identity theft.
$25,000 Identity Theft Restoration Reimbursement Benefit Pays
your covered out-of-pocket expenses.
The Identity Theft Shield includes up to $25,000 in a fraud
restoration reimbursement benefit. This coverage will reimburse
you for covered expenses you may incur while working to clear
your name. These include: • lost wages up to $500 per week with
a maximum of up to four weeks • legal defense fees and expenses
• the cost of notarizing affidavits or similar documents, long
distance telephone calls, and even postage! • the cost of
re-filing applications for loans, grants, or other credit
instruments
Some restrictions of the restoration reimbursement benefit
include: Insurance benefits and services provided by member
companies of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The
description is a summary only. It does not include all terms,
conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please
refer to the actual policies for complete details of coverage
and exclusions. Coverage may not be available in all
jurisdictions. Coverage available only if the stolen identity
event occurs while you are an Identity Theft Shield member and
is reported to us within six months.
Did you know, that on average, victims spend more than 175 hours
and $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear their names. With
Pre-Paid Legal’s IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating
identity theft is much less. For just $9.95/month, IDENTITY
THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of knowing they
have someone to fight the battle for them. And, the best thing
is this monthly fee provides benefits to both you, the member,
and your spouse.
Reports on identity theft are everywhere; television,
newspapers, magazines, talk shows, etc. Now that you know this
benefit is available, doesn’t it make sense to have this sort of
coverage? Imagine the peace of mind you would have knowing you
and your spouse would have access to all of these services if
you found yourself to be an identity theft statistic? Contact
the person who referred you to this call to sign up for your
Identity Theft membership. Don’t wait until it is too late - do
it today!
For a full list of disclosures and exclusions, please consult
the Identity Theft Shield written material provided by Pre-Paid
Legal at http://www.prepaidlegal.com/IDT/markfreink
