FAQs
FAQs
Q. Can I bring in just one bag or box of papers?
A: You can bring in whatever you have.
Q. Can we make an appointment?
A: Yes the majority of our clients like to make appointments to fit their schedule
Q. Why can’t I put my papers in the trash?
A: Because once your papers are in the trash and outside on your sidewalk, anyone can come by and go through your trash. They will find anything that contains your personal information and use it to steal from you. ie: credit card information that can be used to purchase whatever they want. Other information they look for are medical records, canceled checks, financial records, tax returns, legal documents, outdated business records,account records and ledgers. These are some of things that people look for to steel your identity.
Q. What about my old computer? Is it ok to dump it, if I delete all the information on it?
A: Even though you delete your personal information from the hard drive on your
computer, there are computer thieves that can still extract your personal information from the computer.
Q. Is there anything else I can do with my computer so no one gets the information off the computer hard drive?
A: Yes, we will destroy your hard drive so no one can extract any information from it.
A: You can bring in whatever you have.
Q. Can we make an appointment?
A: Yes the majority of our clients like to make appointments to fit their schedule
Q. Why can’t I put my papers in the trash?
A: Because once your papers are in the trash and outside on your sidewalk, anyone can come by and go through your trash. They will find anything that contains your personal information and use it to steal from you. ie: credit card information that can be used to purchase whatever they want. Other information they look for are medical records, canceled checks, financial records, tax returns, legal documents, outdated business records,account records and ledgers. These are some of things that people look for to steel your identity.
Q. What about my old computer? Is it ok to dump it, if I delete all the information on it?
A: Even though you delete your personal information from the hard drive on your
computer, there are computer thieves that can still extract your personal information from the computer.
Q. Is there anything else I can do with my computer so no one gets the information off the computer hard drive?
A: Yes, we will destroy your hard drive so no one can extract any information from it.
What is ID Theft?
Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
Deter identity thieves by safe-guarding your information.
• Shred financial documents and paperwork containing personal information before you discard them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social SeThe man theft identity from the woman with laptop curity card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails: instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
• Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
• Bills that do not arrive as expected
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Calls or letters about purchase you did not make
Inspect:
• Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1.877.322.8229, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
• Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
Equifax:1.800.525.6285
Experian: 1.888.experian (397.3742)
TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.
• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents. Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statements. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
• File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
Common ways ID theft happens:
Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:
• Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.Steal personal information to make fake ID
• Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
• Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
• Changing your address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form.
• “Old-Fashion” Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.
Deter identity thieves by safe-guarding your information.
• Shred financial documents and paperwork containing personal information before you discard them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social SeThe man theft identity from the woman with laptop curity card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails: instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
• Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.
Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
• Bills that do not arrive as expected
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Calls or letters about purchase you did not make
Inspect:
• Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1.877.322.8229, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
• Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
Equifax:1.800.525.6285
Experian: 1.888.experian (397.3742)
TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.
• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents. Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statements. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
• File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
Common ways ID theft happens:
Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:
• Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.Steal personal information to make fake ID
• Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
• Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
• Changing your address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form.
• “Old-Fashion” Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.