Protection Against Identity Theft free personal document shredding day in Bakersfield
08/08/2012 - BAKERSFIELD, CA
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(Friday, August 10, 2012)—Approximately 9 million Americans annually are victims of identity theft, spending millions of hours resolving problems associated with having their identity stolen. Allstate Insurance Company is demonstrating and providing free to the public today a simple method to protect against identity theft with personal document destruction day.
Allstate invites individuals and small business owners from the area to shred personal documents from 3-7 p.m. today at 2500 New Stine Road (at Wilson Road) in Bakersfield, Allstate exclusive agent Shannon Hill's insurance agency. There's a limit of no more than 40 pounds of documents (approximately 6 file boxes) per person. If not properly destroyed, personal documents like credit card applications and statements, tax-related documents and other individually identifying paperwork can be used by thieves to steal from innocent victims.
"Victims of the worst identity theft cases spend 100 hours or more trying to correct problems caused by this crime," said Hill. "Through Allstate, California auto policyholders can have the burden of these arduous tasks handled by professionals who make a truly difficult situation become bearable."
Allstate's identity theft expenses coverage is available to new and renewing Allstate auto policyholders in California for as low as $30 a year and provides customers access to professional identity restoration assistance. The Allstate policy provides up to $25,000 in reimbursement coverage for reasonable expenses incurred to restore identity, including attorney fees, loan reapplication fees, credit and police report fees, and lost wages.
Not an easy task…
According to Federal Trade Commission many victims of identity theft don't know where or how to start the recovery process. Here is some of what identity restoration professionals can do for victims of ID theft.
- Help victims understand their rights.
- File paperwork, including police reports.
- Issue fraud alerts to credit reporting agencies, Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Post Office, credit card companies, and banks.
- Work with credit agencies to correct and restore your credit.
- Review credit histories for irregularities.
- Trace Social Security numbers, notifying and working with the Department of Motor Vehicles, collection agencies, creditors and law enforcement personnel.
Be proactive…
The Federal Trade Commission and Allstate recommend following these steps to make you less vulnerable to identity theft.
- Protect your Social Security number
- Treat your trash and mail carefully
- Be on guard when using the Internet
- Select intricate passwords
- Verify sources before sharing information
- Safeguard your purse and wallet
- Store information in secure locations
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®," Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.
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Contact:
Jim Klapthor, Allstate Insurance Company
(909) 612-664
Jim.Klapthor@Allstate.com