An online safe deposit box for your important files

How would you prepare for identity theft today...
if your purse was stolen tomorrow?

Estate++ takes the uncertainty out of protecting yourself and your family's assets while keeping you in control of your life and your finances.

Take a proactive approach to identity theft and avoid the unnecessary pain that comes from not being prepared...

Make copies of your personal identification records... Make copies of your personal identification records and keep them in a safe place. You should keep a copy of your passport, driver’s license, green card, and social security card. With Estate++ scanned copies of your records can be uploaded and downloaded as needed.

Make copies of your credit card information... Make a copy of your credit card information and keep it in a safe place. You should write down the credit card number, name on card, expiration date, and the phone number of the card issuer (usually located on the back of the card). This information can be used to cancel the account if your card is lost or stolen. Estate++ contains data entry screens specifically for this purpose.

Make copies of your bank account information... Make a copy of your bank account information and keep it in a safe place. You should write down the account number, name on account, and the phone number of the bank. This information can be used to close the account if your checkbook is lost or stolen. Estate++ contains data entry screens specifically for this purpose.

Protect your social security number... Never carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet. Do not put your Social Security number on checks, your driver's license, or any document that you keep in your purse or wallet. Avoid carrying your health insurance card in your purse or wallet. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card number, or any bank account details over the phone unless you have initiated the call and know that the business that you are dealing with is reputable.

Beware of online fraud attempts... Phishing is a form of e-mail fraud that attempts to trick you into disclosing personal or financial information. Do not disclose bank account numbers, credit card account numbers, and other personal financial data on any Web site or online service location that you are unsure of.

Beware of dumpster diving... Shred all personal and financial information that contains account numbers including bills, bank statements, ATM receipts, and credit card offers before you discard them. Stop receiving paper statements. Instead request electronic versions of bills, statements, and checks.

Remove yourself from unnecessary mailing lists... Identity thieves commonly steal information from junk mail. Request that your name be removed from pre-approved credit offer lists. Use this site https://www.optoutprescreen.com and only this site. It was set up by the credit bureaus for this purpose. Request that your name be removed from Junk Mail lists. Use this site http://www.dmaconsumers.org and only this site. It was set up by the Direct Marketing Association for this purpose. Also be aware that these services are free. Many companies that offer identity theft protection often charge $10.00 per month or more for these free services! These services can be linked to directly from the Estate++ menu.

Periodically review your credit reports... Obtain a free copy of your credit report, use this site http://www.annualcreditreport.com and only this site. It was set up by the federal government for this purpose.

Your passport to safety

In order to protect yourself from identity theft it is important to report a loss immediately, especially when traveling internationally! With Estate++ you can access your personal records, at any time, from any Internet connection.

Replace your passport... If your passport is lost or stolen in a foreign country, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you have access to an Internet connected computer please visit the U.S. Department of State website for details. There are two steps required to get a new passport:

Report your stolen credit cards... Credit Card companies have a toll free number to call if your card has been stolen. The card company will most likely cancel your current account number and re-issue a new card with a new account number. By quickly reporting a lost or stolen credit card you may not be responsible for any charges or transactions that you did not authorize. This contact number is usually printed on the back of the card. Without a credit card statement, it could take you some time to locate this number. With Estate++ you can quickly access detailed information about your credit cards.

Report your stolen driver's license... Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most state departments have a "Contact Us" form on their website to report a stolen driver's license or vehicle registration. The form will request the stolen driver's license or vehicle registration number. With Estate++ you can quickly access detailed information about your driver's license.

Report stolen checks immediately... Contact your bank right away. Immediately stop payment on stolen checks. With Estate++ you can quickly access detailed information about your bank accounts. As soon as possible cancel your checking account. You will need a new account. You will also have to change any direct deposits and automatic monthly payments. If any checks have bounced, your account will be marked as a "delinquent account". There is no way to undo this. Although unlikely, you may be liable for forged checks. Unlike fraudulent credit card charges, there is no liability protection from check forgery. If you can prove that reasonable precautions were taken, by reporting the theft quickly, you may not lose any money, but there are no guarantees. As a precaution, never carry checks while traveling. Instead carry cash, traveler's checks, a debit card, or a credit card. Your checkbook should stay at home, preferably under lock and key. It should never leave the house. If you must use checks while traveling, don't keep them in your purse or wallet.

Obtain a police report... As soon as possible, report the crime to local authorities and obtain a police report. If the local police report won’t take a police report you will need to complete an identity theft report available from the Federal Trade Commission.

Place a Fraud Alert... A fraud alert forces potential creditors to either contact you or take reasonable steps to verify your identity. It is free and can last 90 days or 7 years depending on the severity of your situation. You can place a fraud alert online with either Equifax or Experian. TransUnion requires that a fraud alert be placed in writing.

Place a Credit Freeze... A credit freeze locks your credit report data at the credit bureau until you give permission to release the data. It blocks the process of issuing credit which effectively stops criminals from opening credit in your name. All three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) now allow consumers to freeze their credit reports, regardless of state residency. All three credit bureaus must be contacted to completely freeze credit. Associated fees differ from state to state. The credit bureaus now have "online" credit freeze capabilities, for customers who have purchased their credit monitoring services.