Tips to Avoid Having Your Identity Stolen

September 18th, 2009 by Reed Allmand

Prescreened credit card offers are a disaster waiting to happen when you consider identity theft.

MIAMI - MAY 20:  Alain Filiz shows off some of...Whether you are considering bankruptcy, or if you have already filed for bankruptcy, protecting yourself from identity theft is always a good idea.  Identity theft can take a long time to recover from and nobody wants the headache involved with getting your credit straightened out.

In her book, Bounce Back From Bankruptcy, Paula Langguth Ryan discusses a method for being proactive regarding protecting your identity.

Ryan says:

“That’s why I encourage you to opt out of pre-approved or pre-screened credit or insurance offers, which can carry the greatest risk for identity theft.  You have two different options for doing this.  You can immediately opt-out for five years online or via telephone.  Once you’ve completed that step, you can then opt-out permanently via mail if you want.  You must mail in the form they ask you to print out to permanently opt out and stop receiving unsolicited (junk!) mail from creditors, insurance companies and even mortgage issuers who buy mailing lists.  To start the five year opt-out process, visit the credit reporting industry’s special website, www.optoutprescreen.com, and fill out their on-line form.  When you are done, a page will pop up for you to print out and mail in.  Your name will then be permanently removed from the mailing lists that Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion provide to businesses who are looking to offer you credit or insurance.”

Also, if you would rather use a phone, you can call 1-888-567-8688.  You have to make sure to ask for the form to be sent to you if you want to opt out permanently.  You’ll have to mail that form, in order to opt out permanently.

Anyway, don’t be afraid that you won’t find the best credit cards.  There are several websites dedicated to showing consumers what the best credit card offers are.  With a little research you will be able to find the best credit card for your situation.

At any rate, if you are having any financial issues, or if you need help getting things in order after bankruptcy, call a bankruptcy attorney.  They will be able to give you expert advice regarding your credit, identity theft, and bouncing back quickly after bankruptcy.

About Reed Allmand

Website

Allmand's vision is rooted in his own financially precarious childhood in Abilene "My father always had difficulty holding a job and supporting our family, so after my parents divorced when I was 12, my sister and I got jobs to help make ends meet," he recalls. "I remember what it felt like as a child to worry that our car would be repossessed or home foreclosed on."

View all posts by Reed Allmand

Subscribe

Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

    FAQ

    Why do I need to submit a new wage order when I modify my plan

    When we modify your bankruptcy plan we are changing your plan payments. This means that we have to get with your employer and change the terms and amount of your wage order. The only way we can do that is by filling out a new wage order form.  

    Learn More
    What happens if the stay terminates on my home?

    If the bankruptcy stay terminates on your home that means that even though your in bankruptcy, your creditor can pursue all there legal remedies they can pursue if you were not in bankruptcy. This includes foreclosure, and having your house sold and evicting you from your house.

    Learn More

    Find Location

    map
    • Dallas Bankruptcy

      5646 Milton Street, Ste. 120 Dallas, Texas 75206
    • Fort Worth Bankruptcy

      5601 Bridge Street # 300 Ft Worth, TX 76112

    Meet Our Clients