Minimizing The Risk Of Identity Theft (NAPSA)—There’s good news for consumers concerned about the threat posed by identity thieves. Increasingly, the financial services industry is looking for ways to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft. Recent research conducted by the Better Business Bureau with Javelin Strategy & Research indi- cates that over nine million Ameri- cans became victims of identity theft in 2004. Experts say identity theft remains the number-one con- cern among consumers contacting the Federal Trade Commission. In response to this concern, card companies are developing a numberof benefits and services to help cardmembers combat iden- tity theft. American Express, for example, cites the following: Identity Theft Assistance, a free benefit that provides access to representatives who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to offer tips on identity theft prevention and to help you navigate the recovery process if you are a victim. Identity Protection, which provides enrolled members with coverage of up to $15,000 to cover costs incurred as a result of identity theft. Counselors are also available to guide customers through the process of recovering “With identity theft continuing to be top of mind for consumers, it’s important for people to understand how they can minimize their risk,” said Peggy Maher, Senior Vice President, American Express. @Q pany’s Fraud Protection Guarantee, whenever American Express Cardmembers use the Card— online or off—theywill not be held responsible for any fraudulent charges. The following tips are also recommended to help consumers reduce their risk of identity theft: Do not give out your Social Security number to people or com- panies you do not know. Before disclosing personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used. e Shred information you no longer need that contains personally identifiable information and account numbers. “With identity theft continuing to be top of mind for consumers, it’s important for people to under- stand how they can minimize their risk,” said Peggy Maher, Senior Vice President, American CreditSecure, which pro- Express. “Services such as Identity Theft Assistance, Identity Protection and CreditSecure are any changes. In addition, through the com- our Cardmembers and help them feel more secure.” More information is online at www.americanexpress.com/ idtheftassistance about these and other benefits and services. their losses. vides enrolled members with protection against identity theft and credit card fraud by monitoring credit profiles and notifying American Express Cardmembers of all ways that we can add value for
