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What You Need to Know About Identity Theft

Advice on what to do from WEA Member Benefits

Identity theft—how can I prevent it from happening to me?

More than half a million people find themselves victims of identity theft each year. Your best protection is prevention. Here are some useful tips:

  • Be watchful of “shoulder surfers.” At ATMs and phone booths, thieves will stand close enough to see PIN numbers.
  • Put your credit card receipts in a safe spot until your credit card bills arrive.
  • Buy a shredder and use it. Shred all sensitive documents, including credit card receipts,medical and old bank statements, everyday bills, and preapproved credit card offers.
  • Limit the number of credit cards you carry.The fewer cards you have, the easier it is to track them.
  • Get a credit report at least once a year and clean up any errors. Credit bureaus make mistakes.
  • Never leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up.
  • Protect your Social Security number. Only give it out when absolutely necessary. Never carry your Social Security number and driver license together in your wallet.
  • Look for the Trust-e symbol when shopping online. Only shop on websites that offer a privacy policy.

What if identity theft happens to me?

  • Call one of the three major credit reporting bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit.You don’t need to call all three bureaus since the one you call will alert the other two. See above for bureau contact information.
  • Contact your creditors and inform them that your identity has been stolen. They will close the accounts and have you fill out a fraud affidavit.
  • Contact your local police and alert them to the fraud under your name.
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT.
  • Change all passwords you use online.
  • If you lost your entire wallet or believe someone is using your driver’s license, visit the DMV and get a new driver’s license number and card.
  • Keep your records. Throughout your dealings with creditors, companies, and detectives, always write down the name of the individual you spoke with, their employer, the date and time, and a short summary of your discussion.
  • If you have a WEA Property and Casualty (WEA P&C) Insurance Company home policy, give us a call at 1-800-279-4030.

Am I covered for identity theft on my WEA P&C Home Protection Policy?

Yes, you are covered.
Your policy with WEA P&C Insurance Company reimburses up to $10,000 for expenses that occur from identity theft. Benefits include:

  • $300 in coverage if you need to hire a theft recovery service to help you restore your identity.
  • Lost salary or wages up to $200 per day, up to $5,000, resulting from time taken off work to restore your identity.
  • Loan application fees.
  • Reasonable attorney fees.
  • Costs for notarizing documents.

Call one of our consultants at 1-800-279-4030 for more information.


Credit Bureau Information

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374
(888) 766-0008
www.equifax.com

Experian
P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.com

TransUnion
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834
(800) 680-7289
www.transunion.com


Service that goes above and beyond

At WEA Member Benefits, we’re here for you. Unlike other insurers, coverage for identity theft on your WEA P&C Home Protection Policy is free.

WMBT 3464-290-0417 (W)

Effective April 2017. Policies and programs described are subject to change at any time.