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We live in an
information-oriented society. Technology allows us to do
business and make transactions literally in a matter of
seconds. This abundance of information has given rise to a
new crime - identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003
release from the Federal Trade Commission, almost 10
million people in the United States may be victimized by
identity bandits each year.
So what does that mean?
Someone has stolen your credit card – your credit card
company can help you with that, right? Well, according to
the FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues don’t
pertain to your existing credit card accounts. Identity
theft can occur as a result of new lines of credit being
opened in your name either through credit cards or bank
loans as well as phone/utility fraud and even employment
related fraud. Because we are susceptible through so many
avenues in our daily life, we are all at risk.
What can you do? Where
would you turn if you found yourself in this situation?
Would you know where to start to clear your name? Well,
now you don’t have to worry about what to do as we have
the answer.
As you already know,
Pre-Paid Legal Services®, Inc. is a pioneer of the legal
services industry. With more than 30 years of experience
in providing legal rights protection to our members, we
have now teamed with Kroll Inc., the world’s leading
independent risk consulting company. Kroll is a 30 year
old, publicly traded company that provides a broad range
of investigative, intelligence, financial, security, and
technology services to help clients reduce risks, solve
problems, and capitalize on opportunities. Headquartered
in New York with more than 60 offices on six continents,
Kroll has a multidisciplinary corps of more than 2,200
employees and serves a global clientele of law firms,
financial institutions, corporations, nonprofit
institutions, government agencies, and individuals. Over
the last three years, Kroll has developed a unique
solution for victims of identity theft. This new service
is now available to Pre-Paid Legal members through the
IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD benefit.
What does this benefit
provide our members?
The Identity Theft Shield
gives you easy access to the resources you need to
understand your credit ratings and to fight back if an
identity thief threatens your financial standing. This
benefit is designed to alert you to suspicious account
activity, to restore any resulting damage to your credit
history and to reimburse you for covered out-of-pocket
expenses you may incur in the process.
1. Credit Report Through
Experian
Make sure your financial
records are accurate.
Your credit standing is one
of your most important financial assets. It not only
affects your ability to get credit, it often dictates the
interest rate at which you can borrow. It can also affect
your ability to purchase insurance or to find employment.
Some insurance companies and prospective employers use
your credit rating to gauge your sense of responsibility.
Experts recommend you
review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft
Shield makes it easy. Members are entitled to an
up-to-date credit report from Experian at no additional
charge.
Personal Credit Score and
Analysis from Experian
Know your credit score . .
. and how it affects your ability to borrow.
Your credit score is
derived from the information in your credit report. This
score is used by lenders to determine your
creditworthiness. The higher the number, the better your
chance of being approved for the credit you want.
A detailed analysis of your
Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit
Report. You can use this analysis to evaluate your current
credit standing.
2. Continuous Credit
Monitoring Through Experian
Learn of suspicious
activity before your credit is ruined.
A professional thief can
assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can take
years for you to repair your credit standing.
Early detection is key to
minimizing the damage caused by thieves who steal you
name.
With your Identity Theft
Shield membership, your credit files will be monitored
through Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be
brought to your attention, providing you with early
detection. You’ll receive prompt notice if any new
accounts are opened in your name . . . or if negative
notations are added to your credit report.
3. Fraud Restoration
Service
Get personal assistance and
advice from experts.
Any discrepancy in your
credit report should be addressed at once. Call our
Customer Services Department at the designated Identity
Theft Shield number and explain your concerns. If it is
identity theft, our fraud investigators will assist you
every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package with
complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions
will be rushed to you.
If you sign a Limited Power
of Attorney, you will be entitled to Enhanced Restoration
Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent
of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity.
On your behalf, Kroll will issue fraud alerts to the three
major credit repositories, the Federal Trade Commission,
the Social Security Administration, and the United States
Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus,
creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit
accuracy with regard to your identity theft issues. If
necessary and reasonable, Kroll will work with law
enforcement, the department of motor vehicles, and other
organizations to resolve your identity theft issues
If you decline the Limited
Power of Attorney, you will receive Basic Consulting
Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent
of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity.
Kroll will provide you with contact information and
procedures for the organizations you will need to work
with. Kroll will provide sample letters and forms and be
available to you through a toll-free phone number for
assistance and advice throughout the process of restoring
your identity.
Now, it is important to
understand any identity theft that occurred prior to the
membership enrollment or any situations relating to a
business identity are not covered. Identity Restoration
will not apply if the identity theft is the result of a
dishonest, criminal, malicious, or fraudulent act you,
your spouse, or child participated in, directed, or had
knowledge of. Restoration services will not be provided
for a preexisting, known stolen identity event. You must
be an active, paid member to receive restoration services.
Plan benefits do not cover financial losses arising from
the identity theft.
$25,000 Identity Theft
Restoration Reimbursement Benefit Pays your covered
out-of-pocket expenses.
The Identity Theft Shield
includes up to $25,000 in a fraud restoration
reimbursement benefit. This coverage will reimburse you
for covered expenses you may incur while working to clear
your name. These include:
- lost wages up to $500
per week with a maximum of up to four weeks
- legal defense fees and
expenses
- the cost of notarizing
affidavits or similar documents, long distance
telephone calls, and even postage!
- the cost of re-filing
applications for loans, grants, or other credit
instruments
Some restrictions of the
restoration reimbursement benefit include: Insurance
benefits and services provided by member companies of
American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description
is a summary only. It does not include all terms,
conditions and exclusions of the policies described.
Please refer to the actual policies for complete details
of coverage and exclusions. Coverage may not be available
in all jurisdictions. Coverage available only if the
stolen identity event occurs while you are an Identity
Theft Shield member and is reported to us within six
months.
Did you know, that on
average, victims spend more than 175 hours and $1,500 in
out-of-pocket expenses to clear their names. With Pre-Paid
Legal’s IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating
identity theft is much less. For just $9.95/month,
IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of
knowing they have someone to fight the battle for them.
And, the best thing is this monthly fee provides benefits
to both you, the member, and your spouse.
Reports on identity theft
are everywhere; television, newspapers, magazines, talk
shows, etc. Now that you know this benefit is available,
doesn’t it make sense to have this sort of coverage?
Imagine the peace of mind you would have knowing you and
your spouse would have access to all of these services if
you found yourself to be an identity theft statistic?
Contact the person who referred you to this call to sign
up for your Identity Theft membership. Don’t wait until
it is too late - do it today!
For a full list of
disclosures and exclusions, please consult the Identity
Theft Shield written material provided by Pre-Paid Legal.
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