How to protect yourself from identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. Stealing your identity can mean using personal information such as: envelope, social security or a credit card without your permission.

By: Juan Carlos Guilbe
Financial Advisor - Youtuber
Debt Freedom USA

The identity thief can use that information to fraudulently apply for credit, file tax returns, or obtain medical services. These actions can damage your good name and credit, as well as cost you time and money to repair it. Tax-related identity theft or tax identity theft occurs when a scammer uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. You may not find out about the problem until you file your tax return electronically and discover that another tax return has already been submitted with your Social Security number. If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suspects tax identity theft, it will send you a Letter 5071C to the address on your federal tax return. Please note that the IRS will never contact you via email, telephone, text messages, or social media to request personal or financial information. Beware of scams from impostors posing as IRS agents.

What to do if your identity has been stolen

At Debt Freedom USA we recommend our clients obtain their credit report and verify that the reports are correct. If you see an incorrect transaction or debt, report it immediately, or contact us to help you with your case. To request a credit report you can call Equifax: 1-888-766-0008 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

How to report identity theft

Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), on the IdentityTheft.gov website or by phone at 1-877-438-4338 (press 2 for Spanish).

Medical identity theft

Medical identity theft occurs when your personal health insurance identification number is stolen. They seek to obtain medical care, buy medications, access your medical history or submit false claims in your name to an insurer or Medicare.

About Debt Freedom USA

Debt Freedom USA, is a financial advisory company with 11 years of experience in the Hispanic market, offers advisory services for debt settlement, consolidation and debt negotiation. We quickly and effectively identify the best solutions to get out of debt, debt consolidation, credit repair, elimination of collection calls and we can help you make low payments on your debts.

Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-854-3030 or email us at yury.uribe@debtfreedom-usa.com.