
IDENTITY THEFT
SHIELDTM
We live in an
information-oriented society. Technology allows us to do
business and make transactions literally in a matter of seconds.
This abundance of information has given rise to a new crime -
identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003 release from the
Federal Trade Commission, approximately 27 million Americans have
fallen prey to identity thieves since 1999. Each year that number
climbs higher and higher. In 2003 alone, almost 10 million people
in the United States reported being victimized by identity
bandits.
So what does that
mean? Someone has stolen your credit card – your credit
card company can help you with that, right? Well, according to the
FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues don’t pertain to your
existing credit card accounts. Identity theft can occur as a result
of new lines of credit being opened in your name either through
credit cards or bank loans, as well as phone/utility fraud and even
employment related fraud. Because we are susceptible through so
many avenues in our daily life, we are all at risk.
What can you
do? Where would you turn if you found yourself in this
situation? Would you know where to start to clear your name? Well,
now you don’t have to worry about what to do as we have the
answer.
As you already know,
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. is a pioneer of the legal services
industry. With more than 30 years of experience in
providing legal rights protection to our members, we have now
teamed with Kroll Inc., the world’s largest risk consulting
company.
For more than 30 years, Kroll has
helped companies, government agencies and individuals
reduce their exposure to risk and capitalize on business
opportunities. Kroll is an operating unit of Marsh Inc., the risk
and insurance services subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc., the global professional services firm. With
offices in more than 60 cities in the United States and abroad,
Kroll can operate and restructure businesses; scrutinize accounting
practices and financial documents; gather and filter electronic
evidence for attorneys; recover lost or damaged data from computers
and servers; conduct in-depth investigations; screen domestic and
foreign-born job candidates; protect individuals, and enhance
security systems and procedures. Over the last three years, Kroll
has developed a unique solution for victims of identity
theft. This new service is now available to Pre-Paid Legal members
through the IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD
benefit.
What does this benefit
provide our members?
The Identity Theft
Shield gives you easy access to the resources you need to
understand your credit ratings and to fight back if an identity
thief threatens your financial standing. This benefit is designed
to alert you to suspicious account activity, and to restore any
resulting damage to your credit history.
1. Credit Report
Through Experian
Make sure your
financial records are accurate.
Your credit standing is
one of your most important financial assets. It not only
affects your ability to get credit, it often dictates the interest
rate at which you can borrow. It can also affect your ability to
purchase insurance or to find employment. Some insurance companies and
prospective employers use your credit rating to gauge your sense of
responsibility.
Experts recommend you
review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft
Shield makes it easy. Members are entitled to an up-to-date credit
report from Experian at no additional charge.
Personal Credit Score
and Analysis from Experian
Know your credit score
. . . and how it affects your ability to
borrow.
Your credit score is derived
from the information in your credit report. This score is used by
lenders to determine your creditworthiness. The higher the number,
the better your chance of being approved for the credit you
want.
A detailed analysis of your
Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit Report. You
can use this analysis to evaluate your current credit
standing.
2. Continuous Credit
Monitoring Through Experian
Learn of suspicious
activity before your credit is ruined.
A professional thief
can assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can
take years for you to repair your credit standing. Early detection
is key to minimizing the damage caused by thieves who steal you
name.
With your Identity Theft Shield
membership, your credit files will be monitored through
Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be brought to
your attention, providing you with early detection. You’ll receive
prompt notice if any new accounts are opened in your name . . . or
if negative notations are added to your credit
report.
3. Fraud Restoration
Service
Get personal assistance
and advice from experts.
Any discrepancy in your credit
report should be addressed at once. Call our Customer Service
Department at the designated Identity Theft Shield number and
explain your concerns. If it is identity theft, our fraud
investigators will assist
you every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package with
complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions will be rushed to
you.
If you sign a Limited Power of
Attorney, you will be entitled to Enhanced Restoration Services.
Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in
your credit and regarding your identity. On your behalf, Kroll will
issue fraud alerts to the three major credit repositories, the
Federal Trade Commission, the Social Security Administration, and
the United States Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus,
creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit accuracy
with regard to your identity theft issues. If NCEessary and
reasonable, Kroll will work with law enforcement, the department of motor
vehicles, and other organizations to resolve your identity theft
issues.
If you decline the Limited
Power of Attorney, you will receive Basic Consulting Services.
Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in
your credit and regarding your identity. Kroll will provide you
with contact information and procedures for the organizations you
will need to work with. Kroll will provide sample letters and forms
and be available to you through a toll-free phone number for
assistance and advice throughout the process of restoring your
identity.
Now, it is important to
understand any identity theft that occurred prior to the membership
enrollment or any situations relating to a business identity are
not covered. Identity Restoration will not apply if the identity
theft is the result of a dishonest, criminal, malicious, or
fraudulent act you, your spouse, or child participated in,
directed, or had knowledge of. Restoration services will not be
provided for a preexisting, known stolen identity event. You must
be an active, paid member to receive restoration services. Plan
benefits do not cover financial losses arising from the identity
theft.
Did you know, that on
average, people can spend $1,200 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear
their name? With Pre-Paid Legal’s IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost
of combating identity theft is much less. For just $12.95
a month [$9.95 along with the Pre-Paid Legal membership], IDENTITY
THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of knowing they have
someone to fight the battle for them. And the best thing is, this
monthly fee provides benefits to you, the member, and your
spouse.
Reports on identity
theft are everywhere - television, newspapers, magazines, talk
shows, etc. Now that you know this benefit is available,
doesn’t it make sense to have this sort of coverage? Imagine the
peace of mind you would have knowing you and your spouse would have access
to all of these services if you found yourself to be an identity
theft statistic?
Take Action
Now...
Step 1: View a Short Video and
Enroll your family online Now, CLICK
HERE! Discounted
and No enrollments fees for NCE Credit Union Members and their
families.
Step 2: Any
Questions? Please contact the NCECU's Group Servicing
Agents in Corpus Christi, Bert and Bing Howard, Cell:
1-361-442-3971/3776, Toll-Free 1-888-753-3031.
Step 3: Or visit your
NCE Credit Union to pick-up brochures and complete an
application form. Accepted forms of payment for the plan is
Credit/Debit, and Bank Draft.
Pre-Paid Legal
protection and Identity Theft plans are portable. Please
read the brochures for a full explanation of the benefits. On-site
presentations are made periodically.
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