ID Theft Costs Americans More Than One Billion Dollars Annually
CHICAGO, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Insurance has launched an
identity theft insurance program to protect customers from the often
staggering costs that result from having their identity stolen. Encompass
Identity Fraud Coverage provides up to $20,000 (may vary by state) in coverage
for expenses resulting from attorney fees, loan expenses, lost wages, and
other costs that can quickly add up if you're trying to recover from the theft
of your identity.
According to federal government statistics, identity theft costs Americans
more than one billion dollars annually. It's being called the fastest growing
form of robbery in the country. "Encompass Identity Fraud Coverage is
designed to protect you from the financial costs of getting your life back
after its been stolen. It is still up to every individual to take the
necessary steps to keep themselves from ever actually becoming a victim," said
Encompass President Ernie Lausier.
Experts recommend the following tips to help keep you from becoming a
victim of identity theft ...
-- Don't carry unneeded credit cards.
-- Cancel all your unused, lost, or stolen credit card accounts
immediately.
-- Keep your Social Security card, birth certificate, and other personal
documents in a secure lock box or safety deposit box. Don't carry
them, or duplicates, in your wallet.
-- Check your credit history periodically and report any unauthorized
activity. (There may be a minimal fee to obtain a copy of your credit
report.)
-- Keep careful track of all receipts. Store them in a safe place or
destroy them before putting them in the trash.
-- Do not give out your social security number to any person or company
unless you are familiar with them and you have initiated the
conversation. Never provide information to someone calling you on the
phone or initiating contact on the internet.
-- Visit http://www.encompassinsurance.com to find an independent Encompass
Insurance agent and get more information on Encompass Identity Fraud
Coverage.
If you become a victim of identity theft ...
-- Report your identity theft to law enforcement authorities.
-- Immediately obtain a copy of your credit report.
-- Immediately contact credit reporting bureaus, such as
- Equifax Credit Information Services, Consumer Fraud Division
(1-800-525-6285)
- Experian (1-888-397-3742)
- Trans Union Fraud Victim Assistance Department (1-800-680-7289)
-- Contact all banks and creditors where your name has been used
fraudulently, or may be used illegally.
-- Also contact the Social Security Administration Fraud Line
(1-800-269-0271)
Encompass Identity Fraud Coverage is now available in 30 states.
Formerly CNA Personal Insurance, Encompass Insurance was launched in
September 2000 as an insurance brand with more than 20 years of relationships
established with independent agents and their customers. Encompass, as part
of the Ivantage Group, a division of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL), is
a brand devoted exclusively to independent agents, selling automobile,
homeowner and related insurance to 1.2 million customers through a network of
more than 3,400 independent insurance agents. Allstate, widely known through
the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, is the nation's largest
publicly held personal lines insurer. Encompass maintains a web site at
http://www.encompassinsurance.com .
SOURCE Encompass Insurance
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Related links:
http://www.encompassinsurance.com
http://www.allstate.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/109885.html
CONTACT:
Bill Mellander of Encompass-Allstate Media
Relations, +1-847-402-5600
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