| Scio Library hosts program on identity theft
Melanie Foster will talk at the Scio Public Library at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19 on the crime of identity theft - the wrongful acquisition and use of credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, medical information, and other personal data.Foster is a Eugene insurance agent and a graduate of the University of Arizona. She will explain how to prevent identity theft, whom to call when you find out that your personal data has been stolen, and how to undo the damage afterward. Identity theft involves more money worldwide than the trade in illegal drugs. Oregonians are particularly susceptible to this crime: Oregon ranks seventh for the number of victims among all states and countries in the world. Sponsored by the Friends of the Scio Public Library, the program is free of charge, although donations to the Library Building Fund will be welcomed. The Scio Public Library is at 38957 North First Avenue, adjacent to Scio City Hall.
Protecting your identity is a smart thing to do
D ecember is Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. According to the February 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report issued by Javelin Strategy & Research, identity theft affected approximately 8.4 million people. The estimated loss to business and individual victims was $43.9 billion. Often, ID theft victims don't even realize their identity was stolen. They may find out when a creditor or collection agency calls or a credit card is declined. To help consumers protect their identity, a number of credit monitoring and insurance protection programs are available. But, are these products right for you? Most experts recommend that you obtain a copy of your credit report at least once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to ensure accuracy and to look for signs of ID theft.
New laws fight ID theft, extend health benefit
The other will prevent potentially thousands of young adults from suddenly being dropped from their parents' health insurance once they graduate from college. These are two big but very different consumer issues. Let's take them one at a time. First, the identity-theft weapon: the ability to put a "security freeze" on your credit report. Freezing your credit report prevents new creditors from looking at it. If a creditor can't see a report, it is not about to extend credit to you or anyone else trying to open accounts under your name. You can lift the freeze before applying for new credit. Maryland law requires credit bureaus to allow residents to freeze their reports, starting next month. But just weeks ago, the three major credit bureaus, which long resisted freezes, started allowing everyone to put his reports on ice.
Bring Identifying Documents if Forced to Evacuate Due to Fire, Urges ...
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire / -- The Identity Theft Assistance Center (ITAC) is urging Southern California residents forced by fire to evacuate their homes to bring along identifying documents, such as social security cards, birth certificates, and passports, if possible. "In a disaster, the first concern is personal safety, but if you have time to make an evacuation plan, protecting your important documents should be part of that plan," said Anne Wallace, executive director of ITAC. "It will be much easier to prove you are who you say you are in the event you need to open new financial accounts, apply for government benefits, or make insurance claims." Individuals who are forced to evacuate high-risk areas often leave behind critical documents used to establish identity, such as social security cards, birth certificates and passports.
Fundraiser Benefits MoKA Programs
It was art for the future artists' sake as the community came together for Rochester's Museum of Kids Art. Original pieces from the children in the Webster Avenue neighborhood as well as the work from local jewelers, artists, restaurants and cafes went on the auction block. From painting to yoga, to drumming and cooking, the money raised helps the after school programs at MoKA. "It's a pretty impoverished neighborhood," said Michele Cardulla, Museum of Kids Art. “And the kids wouldn't get another opportunity to take some after school activities that might cost some funds to do it. So we provide it for free." With help from generous bidders and auctioneer Brother Wease, MoKA hoped to raise $3,000 to $4,000. Like many after school programs, it takes kids off the streets or keeps them from being home alone between 3 and 6 p.m.
|
