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What You Need to Know About Identity Theft
Advice on what to do from WEA Member Benefits
Identity theft—how can I prevent it from happening to me?
More than half a million people find themselves victims of identity theft each year. Your best protection is prevention. Here are some useful tips:
- Be watchful of “shoulder surfers.” At ATMs and phone booths, thieves will stand close enough to see PIN numbers.
- Put your credit card receipts in a safe spot until your credit card bills arrive.
- Buy a shredder and use it. Shred all sensitive documents, including credit card receipts,medical and old bank statements, everyday bills, and preapproved credit card offers.
- Limit the number of credit cards you carry.The fewer cards you have, the easier it is to track them.
- Get a credit report at least once a year and clean up any errors. Credit bureaus make mistakes.
- Never leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up.
- Protect your Social Security number. Only give it out when absolutely necessary. Never carry your Social Security number and driver license together in your wallet.
- Look for the Trust-e symbol when shopping online. Only shop on websites that offer a privacy policy.
What if identity theft happens to me?
- Call one of the three major credit reporting bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit.You don’t need to call all three bureaus since the one you call will alert the other two. See above for bureau contact information.
- Contact your creditors and inform them that your identity has been stolen. They will close the accounts and have you fill out a fraud affidavit.
- Contact your local police and alert them to the fraud under your name.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT.
- Change all passwords you use online.
- If you lost your entire wallet or believe someone is using your driver’s license, visit the DMV and get a new driver’s license number and card.
- Keep your records. Throughout your dealings with creditors, companies, and detectives, always write down the name of the individual you spoke with, their employer, the date and time, and a short summary of your discussion.
- If you have a WEA Property and Casualty (WEA P&C) Insurance Company home policy, give us a call at 1-800-279-4030.
Am I covered for identity theft on my WEA P&C Home Protection Policy?
Yes, you are covered.
Your policy with WEA P&C Insurance Company reimburses up to $10,000 for expenses that occur from identity theft. Benefits include:
- $300 in coverage if you need to hire a theft recovery service to help you restore your identity.
- Lost salary or wages up to $200 per day, up to $5,000, resulting from time taken off work to restore your identity.
- Loan application fees.
- Reasonable attorney fees.
- Costs for notarizing documents.
Call one of our consultants at 1-800-279-4030 for more information.
Credit Bureau Information
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
(888) 766-0008
www.equifax.com
Experian
P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.com
TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
(800) 680-7289
www.transunion.com
Service that goes above and beyond
At WEA Member Benefits, we’re here for you. Unlike other insurers, coverage for identity theft on your WEA P&C Home Protection Policy is free.
WMBT 3464-290-0417 (W)
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