Identity Theft:

Good Morning,
I just wanted to tell you what happened to me so maybe you can protect yourself:

Since the market is so good to buy, I decided to get "pre-qualified" to get a mortgage for an investment property (just like I make my clients do!)
  
MY Equifax Report showed that my identity was stolen, last name changed, foreclosed mortgage in NJ, car loan for a car I don't own and about 11 credit cards that are not mine.
Apparently my current mortgage company COUNTRYWIDE had some employee who stole client's personal information and SOLD it.

NIGHTMARE trying to fix it - HOURS AND HOURS -Filing fraud reports with Equifax, Fed Trade Commission - Fraud Dept and the local Indian Shores Police Dept.
Equifax told me it takes up to 45 days. I am still waiting to hear back from different companies.

NOW that I know what I have found out in my research, I wish I had known to do these things (or taken it more seriously) to protect myself and I advise you to do so:

1. Sign up for: "Credit Monitoring" with one of the BIG 3 Credit Reporting companies. Ranges from $9.99/month & up. If there is ANY activity on your credit (even just an inquiry) they send you an e-mail alert so you would know immediately if someone stole your ID. I found out MONTHS later after way more damage had been done. 
I recommend Equifax as most Lenders look at that score the most. (www.equifax.com or www.transunion.com or www.experian.com) You are entitled to a free credit report from each of these companies ONE time a year. So at least check yours!

2. Get a locking mailbox. The FTC reports Identity Theft is mostly from thieves stealing mail. I have researched all different types of locking mailboxes and did not like any. So I found they sell these locking inserts you put in your existing mailbox (See page below).

3. Buy a document shredder. I always used to throw out all mail intact...DUH!

Anyways I just wanted you to know...hope this helps!

THANK YOU!
Liz Barrett
Please see www.LizardRealty.com  or call me 727-455-2832