Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that occurs when personal information is stolen and used to commit fraud or other crimes. A person’s identity can be stolen to obtain credit, steal money, make purchases, apply for loans, rent or buy property, clean out retirement accounts or even obtain a job. It is surprisingly easy for identity theft to occur, especially on the Internet. While some victims of identity theft can resolve their problems quickly, many spend large amounts of time and money repairing their credit and good name.

• The Federal Trade Commission estimates that nearly 9 million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year, making it the fastest growing financial crime.
• The Identity Theft Resource Center reported in 2005 that identity theft victims spent over 60 hours resolving the problem.
• The Federal Trade Commission reported in 2003 that U.S. Businesses spend almost $48 billion annually on identity theft issues. Consumers spend $5 billion per year.

These startling statistics mean that consumers must focus on the prevention and discovery of identity theft. Although it’s difficult to completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, precautions can be taken. Minimize your risk of becoming an identity theft victim and learn how to protect personal information.

Protecting Personal Information

Many companies, including lenders, mortgage brokers, real estate appraisers, and tax prepares collect personal information from their customers. This information may include names, addresses, and phone numbers; income and credit; Social Security numbers; bank and credit card account information. The FTC issued the Safeguards Rule, which requires financial institutions to keep customer information secure and safe. The Safeguards rule applies to all business that are "significantly engaged" in providing financial products and services. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act requires financial institutions to ensure the confidentiality and security of personal information. Despite these regulations, identity theft continues to occur at a rising rate.

Please take the following steps to protect your identity and personal information:

• Check out company websites before entering your personal information, especially credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or your Social Security Number. Read the Privacy Policy and Testimonials. Look for security logos and membership associations. Ensure all forms or applications are secure.
• Ask questions about why personal information needs to be obtained, how it will be used, and if it will be shared.
• Check your credit reports regularly - FREE! The best way to protect yourself from identity theft is to monitor your credit history by requesting a free credit report every year from the national credit bureaus; Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. To order a free credit report click on the link on our home page or visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Request Form http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/.
• Protect your computer from viruses and intruders by using virus, firewall, and spyware protection software. Use strong passwords that include a combination of numbers and letters and only download software from websites you know or trust. Avoid links in pop-up windows or spam email.
• Keep important documents in a safe place and always shred financial and confidential information.
• Many states give consumers the right to a security freeze. This freeze will deny anyone access to your consumer credit report and credit score, therefore stopping thieves from getting credit in their name. Visit http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/learn_more/003484indiv.html for information about this important weapon to prevent identity theft.

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, take immediate action to minimize the damage to your personal financial accounts and funds:

• Contact the three credit reporting agencies and request a copy of your credit report
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation either online or by telephone toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
• Report the fraud to the three major credit reporting agencies and the police
• Request information on fraudulent accounts and contact all creditors
• Contact other agencies such as the Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration, and Internal Revenue Service.

Apply with Confidence - Easy, Secure Online Application

At Simplified Leasing, we take every effort to protect your good credit. We ensure your personal information is protected and have provided this information on our website for your protection. Protect yourself and apply for an equipment lease from a secure, reliable company like Simplified Leasing. Check us out - Verify our references and then apply with confidence by printing our PDF application or filling out our secure, easy 3 step application.

We look forward to doing business with you.