PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Stopping Identity Theft: Protecting Your Privacy

Identity theft is a serious crime – one that can cost its victims countless hours (and lots of money) to put right. But what exactly is identity theft? How can someone steal your identity? It sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but it’s actually a very real threat. Maybe someone steals your wallet or accesses your personal data (Social Security number, bank account, credit card number or telephone card) through the Internet. Before you know, your bank account has been emptied and your credit ruined.

How can you stop it from happening in the first place?

The Federal Trade Commission released a survey in 2003 showing that 27.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years. But taking just a few steps can stop thieves.

Don't give out personal information over the phone or Internet, unless you have initiated contact with the company
Guard your ATM code and receipts
Report lost or stolen checks right away
Review bank and/or credit card statements monthly to check for evidence of fraud
Tear up or shred credit card applications and bank statements before throwing them away

INCLUDED WITH EVERY FARMERS NEXT GENERATION HOMEOWNERS POLICY you have up to $30,000 ($28,500 expenses and $1,500 indemnity) coverage to restore your credit and clear your name.

For Renters and other policy holders, Identity Theft Protection can be added to your policy for a minimal fee. Call Amy at (925) 301-7195 or email at amyalvisfarmers@aol.com for details.

Here areadditional steps you can take now to stop thieves from stealing your good name:

Do not give out personal information, such as account or credit card numbers, on the phone or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Identity thieves could pose as bank officials,
Internet providers or credit card company representatives. Remember: If someone has a right to this information (such as your bank), they should already have it . . . and shouldn't need to request it over the phone.
Report lost or stolen checks immediately, and properly store canceled checks. Examine new checks to be sure none were stolen during shipment, and store them in a safe and secure location.
Destroy unused financial solicitations before discarding them, and tear-up other financial documents such as statements or receipts before discarding them.
Guard your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) number, and treat your receipts with care. Leaving them behind or throwing them in the trash could leave them vulnerable to thieves, who could use them to access your accounts.
Make sure your mailbox is secure, and promptly remove mail when it has been delivered. Identity thieves often raid mailboxes to obtain credit card offers and financial statements.
Contact the major credit reporting companies at least annually to review your file. A copy of your credit report is available for a small fee. The three major credit bureaus are:

Equifax: 800-685-1111
TransUnion: 800-916-8800
Experian: 800-682-7654

If you have been a victim of identity theft, or know someone who has, take these steps immediately:

Contact your bank or credit union to protect your accounts.
Contact your credit card suppliers.
Contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Contact your Farmers agent to file a claim against your Identity Fraud Expense Coverage Endorsement.

Please note: This web page provides only a general description of the coverage offered under this endorsement and is not an insurance contract. Certain limitations, restrictions and coverage exclusions apply. You should read the endorsement itself or talk to a Farmers Agent for details.

For more information about identity theft, check out the Web site of the Federal Trade Commission (the nation's consumer protection agency):