Identity Theft Protection

Imagine the hassle of disputing fraudulent charges, restoring your credit, or clearing your name from criminal records. Bad actors can take your personal information and use it to profit by opening new bank accounts, buying merchandise and services – even establishing a new identity. Someone using your identity may present that information to law enforcement in the process of committing a crime, such as DUI. They may purchase high ticket items like plane tickets, a new or used vehicle and more.

At Acceptance Insurance, we understand how overwhelming this can be. That’s why we offer an affordable identity theft protection plan provided by Nation Safe Drivers designed to safeguard your information and provide peace of mind.

Identity theft is when someone other than you or a legally appointed guardian uses your personal information for their own gain. Your personal information includes your social security number, your driver’s license number, banking and credit card information, your address and more.

Statistics show over a million people experience identity theft every year, but the number of related fraud claims is more than twice that amount.

Identity theft often leads to ID fraud, which is when the thief opens bank accounts or loans or steals your tax refunds using your data.

Having your identity stolen can lead to bad credit and immense financial loss. It can even lead to criminal records in your name. And if you have your identity stolen, it can take years to clear your records.

Research shows roughly one-third of individuals in the United States will, at some point, experience some form of ID theft. And the recent data breaches, through which names, birth dates, and social security numbers, among other sensitive information, were stolen, make that risk even greater.

This means the person with your information can, along with causing financial loss, take over your email addresses and social media accounts and even rent a home or a car under your name. Even worse — you may be unaware for years that your ID has been stolen or to what extent. So, just how can you protect yourself?

An identity protection plan is the answer. Acceptance Insurance’s ID coverage will notify you if your information is at risk and help you clear your name.

Identity theft isn’t just a financial inconvenience—it’s a serious violation that can disrupt every aspect of your life. From damaged credit and drained bank accounts to legal troubles and emotional stress, the consequences of identity theft can be far-reaching and difficult to resolve.  Here are some negative consequences to consider.

Credit Card Theft

• Credit card and bill payment history factors 35% of your FICO score. If someone is using your accounts to charge merchandise and services without paying the bill, it can come back on your credit score.
• The credit card balances a thief opens in your name will go unpaid. When a credit card payment becomes 60 days past due, credit card companies typically report you to the credit bureaus, which will decrease your credit score.
• Thieves will usually max out credit cards they open in your name, increasing your credit utilization (ratio of outstanding balances to credit card limits), which can negatively affect your FICO score by up to 45 points.
• A longer credit history gives you a higher FICO score. But when thieves open several cards in your name all at once, it can negatively affect your score.

Warrants for Your Arrest

If someone commits a crime while using your identity, an arrest warrant will be issued when no one shows up to court on the required day. You could find yourself arrested and in jail until an attorney can sort it out.

Utilities Shut Off

Someone using your personal information may have your utility account switched to another location. If you suddenly find yourself in the dark, you may have been the victim of identity theft.

Even with a solid protection plan in place, you should understand the signs of ID theft and stay vigilant. If someone is trying to steal your identity or use your information fraudulently, here are some signs to watch out for to make sure you are being proactive.

Notices from Your Bank or Other Institution

Any legitimate notification from your bank, credit card company or other agency you do business with. If your bank or other institution are trying to reach you, call them.

Keep in mind that criminals send “phishing” and “spam” emails and texts all the time to try to get you to click on a link, which will download your information. They will even call you to try and get you to give them your information. Always be the one to initiate a call, never give your information to any source who reaches out to you.

Unusual Activity on Your Bank Account or Credit Card Statement

Nowadays, most people do their banking and pay bills online. You should be checking your accounts regularly to make sure there is no illegal activity. If you notice something fishy, immediately reach out.

Educate yourself on how “skimming” works and take steps to protect yourself. Skimming is when you insert your card into an ATM, a pay-at-the-pump or even at your favorite fast-food restaurant. Skimmers attach fake fronts to these machines and your credit or debit card information is transmitted to a scammer.

With an ID protection plan, you can relax knowing you’ll be alerted of any suspicious activity on your accounts or credit reports. This plan will also help you repair the damage and ease the costs. Once your identity is stolen, it can be a long, hard process to clear it up.

The friendly agents at Acceptance Insurance can set you up with an affordable ID theft protection plan that offers the perfect solution. This plan can protect you from the pain of having your identity stolen and the headache of having to clean up the mess.

The ID protection plan gives you the following benefits:

• Discounted legal advice
• Fraud alerts and victim statements issued on your behalf to the three credit bureaus
• Assistance with canceling credit cards and obtaining new ones
• Aid in alerting local law enforcement
• Insurance coverage (typically up to one million dollars)
• Around-the-clock help in confronting suspicious activity
• Support with reporting the suspected fraud to state agencies and financial institutions

Check with your neighborhood Acceptance Insurance agent to go over more specifics and answer any questions.