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FirstChoice Insurance
338 Pearl Ave.
Oshkosh, WI 54903
TEL (920) 235-3450
Toll Free (800) 368-7536
FAX (920) 232-8731
mail@firstchoiceinsurance.biz

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Insurance Glossary

FirstChoice News

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone acquires key information about another person's identity with the intent to commit fraud. It is the fastest growing crime today and can go undetected for long periods of time.

When your personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, passwords, personal identification numbers (PIN) bank account and credit card numbers get into the hands of criminals, your financial security is in jeopardy. If your identity is fraudulently used by others to steal money from your bank account, or apply for loans and credit cards, you are often left with damaged credit and possibly a criminal record that can take considerable time and money to restore.

How to Avoid Being Victimized

Review a few simple steps to avoid being victimized. Use good judgement when conducting any transactions that involve finances or personal information.

Personal Information

1. Do not provide personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact or know with whom you are speaking.
2. Ask how your personal information will be used and protected.
3. Ask if providing the information is voluntary or mandatory in order to complete the transaction.
4. Keep a list of your credit card, check card and bank account numbers in a safe place other than your wallet.
5. Shred all personal documents and unwanted mail. Criminals often work in groups looking through trash to obtain important identity information.
6. Monitor bank and credit card statements every month.

Passwords / PIN

1. Change all passwords regularly, including ATM and Internet banking passwords.
2. Use passwords that are a mix of numbers and characters.
3. Make passwords unique - avoid birthdays and social security numbers.
4. Memorize passwords and do not share this information.

Online

1. Protect your account and password information. Your bank will not ask you for account information via email; do not give information to unauthorized individuals from your bank.
2. Do not use your credit card or check card number on the Internet unless you have initiated the transaction.
3. Protect your home computer by running anti-virus software to guard against virus attacks.
4. Install a personal firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your home computer, especially if you connect to the Internet via cable or DSL modem.
5. Delete any suspicious emails, without opening them, if you do not recognize the sender.

Recover your Expenses

Before you are victimized, you can protect yourself from expenses you must pay to correct your credit and amend any criminal record by adding Identity Theft Expense Coverage to your homeowner's policy.

With this valuable coverage, you received payment for:

1. costs for notarized fraud affidavits and certified mail,
2. lost wages at $250 per day up to $10,000 ( included with your $25,000 coverage amount),
3. loan application fees when required to reapply for a loan denied due to identity theft,
4. reasonable fees for attorneys hired with our advance agreement, to defend against lawsuits, to remove wrongly entered criminal or civil judgements or to challenge the accuracy or completeness of information in your consumer credit report.

A low annual premium covers you for each individual act of identity theft with a $25,000 limit (subject to a $250 deductible). Your protection against identity is from when you first discover it during the policy period, not just identity theft that started during the policy period.

Call on a FirstChoice professional for more information on how to add Identity Theft Expense Coverage to your homeowner's policy.

Report All Identity Theft Incidents

If you have been victimized it is important that you contact the following:

1. Banks
   • Contact your local bank by telephone or visit their web site for additional information about identity theft issues.
2. Credit Agencies
   • Equifax: www.equifax.com. To report fraud, call (800) 525-6285
   • Experian: www.experian.com. To report fraud, call (888) 397-3742 or 888-EXPERIAN
   • Trans Union: www.tuc.com. To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289
3. Law Enforcement
   • Contact local law enforcement to file a police report.
   • Do not dial 911; this matter, although it is urgent, is not an emergency.
4. Employment
   • If you suspect someone is using your Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for work, call the Social Security Association Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.