Public Records Free Directory Blog

While the information age has brought great freedom and access to information, it has also created a new breed of problems. Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in our country. Identity theft occurs when some illegally uses your identity without your knowledge. An identity thieve can use your identity for a variety of reasons ranging from deducting money from your account or obtaining credit, loans, mortgages, rental property, and other services for themselves, all while using your name and credit history.

Although identity thieves physically injure no one, this is a very dangerous crime. Identity theft can destroy your credit thereby creating difficulty getting a job, starting a business, renting or purchasing a home. Unfortunately, it may not be immediately obviously that someone has stolen your identity. It could take some people months, or even years to realize they have been victimized by identity theft, thereby creating plenty of time for the thieves to wreak havoc on your financial life.

Although most banks and credit card companies provide some sort of insurance or protection in the event of identity fraud it is still a difficult situation. If the thief has been using your identity for an extended period of time, it could take you equally as long to clean up your finances, credit, or even reputation.

Despite the obvious fears surrounding identity theft, there are ways to protect yourself. Many identity theft experts recommend shredding sensitive documents, keeping your phone number off your checks, and closely monitoring all bank statements. Another pro-active approach is to check the public records containing your information. Perform a search using your name under the various public records categories including land, marriage, birth, voter registration, and business records to determine exactly what type of information is available about you. If you find that your social security number is available through a simple search, contact the agency involved immediately. A social security number is one of the most common ways for a thief to steal your identity. Also, performing these searches can help you determine if anyone has committed crimes or acquired property or loans in your identity. In many states and public records categories, you can perform searches online. To make your search easier, visit The Free Public Records Directory where you can find free online access to dozens of public records resources by states.