What is ID TheftSmart™?
ID TheftSmart provides comprehensive identity restoration in addition to continuous credit monitoring to safeguard your identity.
How do identity thieves steal my personal information?
Identity thieves access your personal information in a number of ways such as stealing mail, rummaging through trash, and stealing a wallet or purse—or even getting it via email or phone by posing as legitimate company claiming there’s a problem with your account. Others access personal information you share on the Internet or steal private information directly from organizational and company databases.
How do they use the personal information they steal?
In most cases, the goal of identity theft is financial gain. It’s common for an identity thief to call a credit card company and ask that the mailing address be changed. They run up charges on the account, and then have the bill sent to another address. Another tactic is to take out a loan or open a new credit card or bank account using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. In all cases, creditors think they’re dealing with you.
Still others may use your identity to gain employment, file for fraudulent health benefits, or commit other types of criminal activity.
How do I know if I’m a victim of identity theft?
The truth is, without continuous monitoring and vigilance, it’s not always easy to tell. In many instances, it can be years before people realize their identity has been stolen. The best way to learn of identity theft is to monitor your financial records and make sure they’re accurate. Obtaining updated credit reports and credit scores is also important. Unfortunately, today’s hectic schedules mean most people don’t invest the time to do this on a regular basis.
Why would I want to become an ID TheftSmart member?
In the past year alone, more than 9 million Americans were victims of identity theft. On average, each spent more than 175 hours and $1,800 to restore their name and financial standing. Attempting to resolve identity fraud issues on your own can be complicated and overwhelming, and it’s hard to know ALL the steps you need to take.
ID TheftSmart is the only identity theft service that provides full-service identity restoration in the event your identity is ever stolen. While others may hand you a do-it-yourself kit with phone numbers or information on how to issue a fraud alert, our licensed investigators do the bulk of the work for you, saving you countless hours of time and frustration — not to mention keeping your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
Does ID TheftSmart prevent identity theft?
No identity theft program or service can guarantee you’ll never be a victim of identity theft. What ID TheftSmart can deliver is continuous credit monitoring that alerts you as soon as there is questionable credit activity in your name, such as applying for a new credit card or loan, a change of address, etc. The earlier you discover suspicious activity, the less damage the identity thief can do. You’ll also receive an up-to-date credit report and credit score with detailed analysis at no extra charge.
What are non-credit searches and why are they important?
If your identity is ever stolen, the impact may be more far-reaching than you ever imagined — from unwelcome additions to your driving record to criminal activity conducted in your name. Most victims of identity theft have no idea these things are even occurring, let alone how to go about getting them corrected.
As part of our restoration services, ID TheftSmart searches applicable local and national databases, including sources known primarily to the investigative community, on your behalf. We then work with the affected agencies and institutions to help correct all credit and non-credit issues related to identity theft.
How does ID TheftSmart identity restoration work?
If you suspect you’ve become a victim of identity theft, simply call the toll-free number on your ID TheftSmart membership card. Our professional licensed investigators will do most of the difficult work needed to restore your name and credit to pre-theft status as accurately, completely, and quickly as possible.
You’ll be assigned a single licensed investigator for your entire case who will begin your identity theft restoration process. In order to receive the full benefit of enhanced identity theft restoration, you’ll be asked to sign and return a limited power of attorney that provides your investigator the legal rights to become your advocate and work on your behalf.
How long does identity restoration take?
Identity restoration can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on how extensive the identity fraud is and how in-depth our investigators must go to get it corrected. Your case isn’t closed until your restoration is complete to your satisfaction and we receive verification that your issue is resolved.
How long does identity restoration take?
Identity restoration can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on how extensive the identity fraud is and how in-depth our investigators must go to get it corrected. Your case isn’t closed until your restoration is complete to your satisfaction and we receive verification that your issue is resolved.
Does ID TheftSmart identity restoration cost extra?
No. Identity theft restoration services are available at no additional charge for all ID TheftSmart members in good standing.
If you are not currently an ID TheftSmart member and would like our assistance resolving your identity theft issue, our restoration services are available to you for a one-time $1,500 restoration fee.
How do I enroll in ID TheftSmart?
Becoming an ID TheftSmart member is easy. Simply click the Enroll Now tab above and complete the online enrollment form. Your ID TheftSmart membership begins the date your online application is processed. You’ll receive a fulfillment kit detailing our services in the mail.
To complete your enrollment and activate your credit monitoring and credit report service, you must fill out and return the authorization form in your kit. This is done for your security and is required by the credit repositories.