How can I protect myself from identity theft?

Identity theft is a serious issue, and taking steps to protect yourself is important. In Florida, credit repair law is in place to help protect your identity. The first step in protecting yourself from identity theft is to be aware of your credit reports. You can request a free credit report each year, and it is important to review it thoroughly to make sure that all the accounts listed are yours and that they contain accurate information. If you notice any inconsistencies, contact the credit bureau and the creditor in question right away. You should also be careful about sharing your personal information online or over the phone. Be sure that you are on a secure website when entering any financial information, and never give out any personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and you are sure of who you are speaking with. It is also wise to be wary of any emails that appear to be from your bank, credit card company, or other financial institution. Many identity thieves will send out emails that appear to be from a legitimate company in order to get you to enter your personal information. If you receive an email that seems suspicious, contact the sender directly using an independent phone number or website to confirm the legitimacy of the message. Finally, consider setting up a fraud alert with one of the major credit bureaus. A fraud alert will alert the credit bureau when someone attempts to open a new account with your identity, and you will then need to verify your identity before the account is opened.

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How can I protect myself from identity theft?

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