Did you know that identity theft may be covered by insurance? For as little as $10.00 in premium a year, this type of coverage may provide $25,000 in coverage for reimbursement of expenses associated with identity and credit restoration, including lost wages and other expenses. At Costlow Insurance, we want to help you stay informed and educated about what you can do to prevent identity theft.

How to Avoid Identity Theft

1. Keep the amount of personal information in your purse or wallet to the bare minimum.

2. Avoid carrying additional credit cards, your social security card, or passport.

3. Guard your credit card when making purchases, shield your hand when using an ATM or making long-distance calls with phone cards.

4. Always take credit card or ATM receipts, and don’t discard them in public trash containers. Leave them on the counter or put them in your shopping bag.

5. Proceed with caution when shopping online, and make sure you are buying from a reputable retailer with a secure network.

6. Monitor your accounts, don’t rely on your credit card company or banks to alert you of suspicious activity. Carefully monitor your bank and credit card statements, and contact your credit card company or bank immediately if you suspect fraud.

7. Shred documents containing personal information, credit card numbers, bank statement information, charge receipts, or credit card applications.

8. Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. A new law that took effect December 1, 2004, entitles you to one free credit report per year.

9. Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Avoid using information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, any part of your Social Security number or phone number, or any series of consecutive numbers, and change passwords regularly.

10. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet. Don’t give out any personal information unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know are dealing with and that they have a secure line.

Protection for You & Your Insurance Needs

At Costlow Insurance, your privacy and protection are our top priority. When you work with us, you can rest assured knowing that we are dedicated to doing everything we can to prevent identity theft at every step.

Whether you’re looking for auto insurance, homeowners insurance, or business insurance, we offer a wide variety of coverage options to meet your needs. For more information, call 972-463-8043 or contact us today!

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