Identity Theft Report: An Online/Offline ID Thief Repellent

By John L. Fischer, Personal Finance Writer

ID thieves may be lower than insects, but flypaper and other anti-pest devices won't stop them. For effective identity theft prevention, you need something more.

An identity theft report is one key to effective identity theft prevention. This anti-ID theft document can help reduce ID thieves to pesky insects. Think of it as added identity theft insurance.

What is an identity theft report?

An identity theft report details your personal and financial history. It's set up like your credit report, but it's specifically designed for preventing identity theft.

If your credit report gives creditors information on who you are (both financially and personally), then an identity theft report is meant to safeguard that information — to ensure that it reflects the real "you."

What does an identity theft report tell you?

All the information in the six-part report is designed specifically for preventing identity theft:

1. Personal Information. This section features your current and former residences.

If you're intent on learning more about how to prevent identity theft, keep your eyes peeled for bogus mailing addresses; someone could have your identity.

2. Names Associated With Your Personal Identity. Here you'll find names and related contact information for relatives, roommates, previous residents and other acquaintances.

Someone could be pretending that they know you.

3. Property Report. Here, you'll find property records and mortgage information.

If you find property in your name that you don't remember buying, investigate how it was acquired — and by whom.

4. Neighborhood Report. This section lists data about where you live (population numbers, ethnic groups represented, average income — even criminal activity).

The "hows" and "whys" of preventing identity theft can start with researching general lifestyle trends near you.

5. Financial Information. This includes bank accounts, real estate holdings, and your complete credit history (including foreclosures or bankruptcy filings).

Regularly confirming your financial data makes good sense.

6. Inquiries. Here you'll find details on credit inquiries made about you.

There could be inquiries from collection agencies, utility companies, banks or lending institutions (plus the dates of each inquiry). Check for inquiries made by parties you don't recognize.