By Shala Watson
Staff Writer
It can start with a sudden drop in your checking account. A suspicious call from a debt collector. Or your card gets declined as you check out at the parts store. You’re suddenly facing financial problems because of identity fraud.
That can have devastating effects on the victims. And it happens more than you think.
There are numerous ways thieves can get your information—in stores, through the mail, online or by using devices to scan your card number and gain access to your bank account.
More than 90 million identity records were exposed in data breaches in 2015.
“We use locks to protect our homes, vehicles and property from thieves. Taking security measures to protect your identity are just as essential,” said TFB Director of Organization Jamie Gipe. “Texas Farm Bureau members can take advantage of VerifID’s low-cost defense against identity fraud.”
Without proper credit protection, recovering from identity fraud can be an intimidating and stressful process.
“Erasing fraudulent charges and correcting your credit takes a significant amount of time,” Gipe said.
Recovering from a credit breach is a tedious process. Victims spend valuable hours making phone calls, sorting through paperwork and disputing and resolving bills and collections.
“Texas Farm Bureau members don’t have to go through the resolution process alone,” Gipe said. “VerifID offers vital support and resources to significantly reduce that burden.”
Through TFB’s member benefit program with VerifID, members can rest assured they will have a partner to help resolve any identity fraud for just pennies a day.
TFB members can save with different VerifID plans.
For $6.50 a year, VerifID’s Restoration Only option will provide identity and credit resolution services if any member of the family under the age of 26 falls victim to identity theft. You will have access to a toll-free number to file a claim and a personal recovery advocate will be assigned to you to help you with the restoration work needed to get back to pre-theft status. This plan does not include monitoring services.
For more protection, TFB members can select VerifID’s Individual Plan, which covers one adult for less than $6 a month and includes VerifID’s resolution services. The service will monitor all three major credit bureaus on a 24-hour basis. You will receive an email alert within 24 hours if any fraudulent activity happens. If changes on your credit file are fraudulent, you can call a toll-free number to initiate the identity and credit resolution process.
The Family Plan provides monitoring services for two adults at less than $10 a month, and resolution services for any member of the family under the age of 26.
Take advantage of the member benefit by visiting www.getverifid.com/txfb/.