Worried About Identity Theft?

Identity theft is the number one fastest growing crime in America and Arizona is number one in the nation for the fourth year in a row for Identity Theft. In 2006 there were 327 reported breaches, there were 100.3 million identities compromised yet the number of thieves sentenced was only FIVE. To date there are close to 200 million identities that have been stolen. It is expected to be 20 times worse in the next two years.
There are five types of Identity Theft.
1. Drivers License
2. Social Security
3. Medical
4. Character or Criminal
5. Financial
We tend to focus on the fifth type however they are all a concern.
What can we do? It boils down to Deter, Detect and Defend.
Keep all sensitive information in locking file cabinets. Shred any information you no longer need. Be careful about what you put in your out going mail box. And never give out your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. Most companies (like your bank and credit card companies) can identify you in other ways such as a series of questions. Early detection of potential identity theft can make a big difference. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity by regularly monitoring your financial statements and credit reports. If you should become a victim of identity theft the following steps will help.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports.
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
In some cases if you fail to follow these steps and report it quickly enough you may be held responsible.

The above information comes from a class I just took on Identity Theft and an article put out by First American Title from the Federal Trade Commission.

Be sure to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website on Identity Theft to learn more. They will provide information to help you deter, detect and defend yourself against Identity Theft.
www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Be careful and protect yourself.

Renée

6th Annual Gratitude Gathering

At a time when others are cutting back I am giving back. That is what my 6th Annual Gratitude Gathering was, a giant client appreciation party. The event was this past weekend at the Embassy Suites Paloma Village and it was a total success! I want to thank everyone who made it out and made the night special. I also want to give an extra “Thank you” to all the vendors who donated to the event. We gave out 30 prizes all donated by wonderful local business.
Select Mortgage, Curt Cannon
American Home Mortgage, Jerry Hoy
Adam Amante, Fortress Financial
Bekki Booth, American Home Guardian
Andy Cassells, Castle Flooring
Mara Concordia, Peaceful Spirit Massage Centers
Alan Lerch, Desert Foothills Carpet Cleaning
John & Pat Maisch, Oro Valley Heating and Cooling
Jo Martin, Title Security
Tia Martin, AK Gift Solutions
Dr. Jay Phillips, Casas Adobes Chiropractic
Pam Phillips, P2 Preparedness
Gina Quiros, Mary Kay
Jose Rodriguez, Embassy Suites
Jana Socha, Send Out Cards & Mystic Lights Photography
Tom Stutsman, Quik Tecks Computer Services
Rosalind Tao, Bellows Consulting
Robert Townsend, Townsend Fine Art Photography
Shari Treiber, American Home Shield
Wayne Zatarain, AmeriSpec Home Inspection

The start of the evening was cocktail hour on the patio and a game of “what T.V. character am I?” Then we moved into the ballroom for dinner catered by Red Sky. The theme “Survey says…” was two fold. After dinner we played a great game of Family Feud in teams based on our T.V. characters show/family. Guests had the opportunity to meet other clients of mine and I know several new friendships were made. After dinner I had a survey of my own. I am always seeking to improve my business and the services I offer you, my clients. I want to know what is working well and what needs changing or improvement so that I can better serve you and you’re your referrals. Thank you to everyone who filled out the short survey; your feedback is so important to me. If you have any other comments or feedback for me I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to call or email me any time.
Thanks again for a wonderful fun filled evening. More to come with photos from the party… check back soon.
Oh by the way... if you know of someone looking to buy or sell a home I would love to help them.
Renee