T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s department stores revealed that information from 45.7 million credit and debit cards was stolen in a computer security breach over 18 months through mid-January. Identity theft is on the rise. Are you protected?
Other information, including names, addresses and personal ID numbers for about 451,000 people who returned merchandise without a receipt, was also stolen, the operator of the T.J. Maxx and Marshall's chains said in a regulatory filing.
When even major retailers cannot be trusted to keep your data safe, it is clear that the responsibility falls upon the consumer. ID Theft Protection plans are becoming increasingly popular. The leading plan, provided by Prepaid Legal, Inc., in partnership with Kroll (a world-leader in security protection) offers consumers protection for $12.95 per month, or just $9.95 if combined with a Prepaid Legal Plan.
The plan offers continuous credit monitoring and instant alerts if a suspicious transaction occurs. If someone attempts to take out a credit card or loan in your name, you are instantly contacted for verification.
If you ever hand your credit cards to waiters at restaurants, sign your cards, supply personal information over the internet, keep your social security information in your wallet, leave mail for your postal carrier to collect, or dispose of junk mail without shredding it, you are increasing your chances of ID Theft and such protection becomes vital. The Prepaid Legal/Kroll plan also provides for identity restoration, which can take an individual somewhere from 200-600 hours to do on their own, with an average cost of $1200. With this plan, you give a limited power of attorney to the company and they do the work for you, at no additional expense.
More and more, ID Theft protection is looking like a sensible precaution. Just like having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, you hope you will never need it, but if you do, you’ll be incredibly glad it was there.
Protect your Plastic from Identity Theft
Thieves are finding new ways of stealing your personal information from your credit and ATM cards. Find out how to protect yourself.
Top 5 Criteria for Choosing a Home Business
How to choose a great home business. Examine the company, market demand, product quality, compensation plan and timing.
Three Identity Theft Programs Reviewed
Three identity theft programs from Invisus Direct, Wells Fargo and PrePaid Legal/Kroll Inc., are reviewed. Though similar, one leads the pack.
