Q&A: Protecting against identity theft

Q: What can I do to help guard against identity theft, and what do I do if I become a victim?

If you become the unfortunate victim of identity theft, immediately contact your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Trade Commission at 877-ID-THEFT, and the three principal credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The reporting agencies likely will advise you to place fraud alerts on your credit reports. Doing so should prohibit anyone from adding new lines of credit in your name. Lastly, close all accounts and lines of credit that you believe are at risk.

Answers to our readers’ questions were provided by Eric T. Seybert, CLU, North Star Resource Group, Minneapolis. He is a registered representative with CRI Securities LLC and Securian Financial Services Inc., members FINRA/SIPC, registered investment advisers. CRI Securities is affiliated with Securian Financial Services. Seybert does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Please consult a tax/legal professional for specific advice. Send your money management questions tomemoney@advanstar.com
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