Identity Theft For Dummies

by Arata, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9780470565216
• ISBN10: 0470565217
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-02-22
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

What the book covers: Understanding identity theft, knowing what information is vulnerable, keeping tabs on your personal information, minimizing your risk, checking your financial statements religiously, choosing who to share personal information with, practicing discretion in public places, securing your electronic information, watching what you set on the curb, interpreting your credit report, staying safe online, recognizing when you are a victim, charting your course of action, resolving credit problems, taking back your good name, closing compromised accounts, and much more. Series features: Information presented in the straightforward but fun language that has defined the Dummies series for more than eighteen years.

Author Biography

Michael J. Arata Jr. has more than 20 years of experience in security, crisis management, business continuity, and international investigations. He has developed and managed successful security programs for large organizations and performed numerous credit card fraud and embezzlement investigations.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Part I: Getting the Scoop on Identity Theft.

Chapter 1: Who’s Stealing What . . . and What You Can Do about It.

Chapter 2: Mike’s Anti–Identity Theft Crash Course.

Part II: Determining Whether You’re a Victim.

Chapter 3: Smelling a Rat: Recognizing Common Signs of Identity Theft.

Chapter 4: Homing In on Financial Statements.

Chapter 5: Interpreting Your Credit Report.

Part III: Being Smart with Your Sensitive Information.

Chapter 6: Keeping Tabs on Your Personal and Business Information.

Chapter 7: Watching What You Set on the Curb.

Chapter 8: Practicing Discretion in Public Places.

Part IV: Arming Yourself against Potential Identity Theft.

Chapter 9: Avoiding Loss of Your Identity: Online Services That Can Help.

Chapter 10: Becoming Familiar with Identity Thieves’ Scams and Methods.

Part V: Safeguarding Electronic Information.

Chapter 11: Staying Safe from Online Threats.

Chapter 12: Dispensing Security with Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

Part VI: Taking Back Your Good Name.

Chapter 13: Starting the Process of Reclaiming Your Identity.

Chapter 14: Closing Compromised Accounts.

Chapter 15: Opening New Accounts.

Part VII: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 16: Ten (Or So) Tips to Make Reclaiming Your Identity Go More Smoothly.

Chapter 17: Ten Handy Resources.

Chapter 18: Ten Security Tools You Shouldn’t Be Without.

Chapter 19: Ten (Plus One) Common Scams and How to Avoid Them.

Index.