What was the chief complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2007? If you guessed “identity theft” then you answered correctly. Last year, the FTC tallied more than 800,000 complaints from consumers with almost one-third that number naming I.D. theft in their complaint.

Credit Card Fraud Leads The Pack

According to an FTC Report released on February 13, credit card fraud was the most common form of reported identity theft at 23 percent, followed by utilities fraud at 18 percent, employment fraud at 14 percent, and bank fraud at 13 percent.

Consumers said that they lost $1.2 billion due to identity theft, averaging $349 per complaint.

Consumers Aren’t Always Sure When Theft Happens

Although identity theft happens, many consumers aren’t sure how it happens or happened to them. Oftentimes a problem surfaces well after the thief has gained access to confidential information, when the most damage has been done. Errors on a credit report, unsubstantiated charges on a credit card statement as well as dunning letters from creditors often tip consumers off, but by then the worst has taken place.

FTC Recommendations For Consumers

For identity-theft victims, the FTC recommends taking these steps:

• Place a fraud alert on credit reports and review credit reports. Contact any of the three consumer reporting companies to place the fraud alert.

• Close accounts believed or known to have been tampered with. Follow up in writing, and include copies, rather than originals, of documents.

• File a complaint with the FTC, which can refer complaints to other agencies and companies for further action, and investigate companies for violations.

• File a report with local police or law enforcement in the area where the identity theft took place.

You may not be able to stop i.d. theft completely, but you can have a hand in stemming the tide. Make sure that you obtain copies of your credit reports on a regular basis, examine them, and notify the credit bureaus when errors are found.

Tags: , credit report, Federal Trade Commission, free credit reports, FTC, ID theft, identity theft

This article is part of our ongoing home construction specification plan series.

Assembling a Home Construction Specification Plan — Spec Plan R: Garage, Pathways

Not many people who are building a new home take into consideration the eventual resale value of their property. Likely, you’re planning to spend many years enjoying your new home, possibly staying in it well past the years when your children have grown and left home.

Of course, our plans are often subject to change as a job transfer, different housing needs or changes in family status can weigh in. Almost suddenly, your home is on the market and you’re looking to obtain top dollar for it.

To ensure the best resale value for your home, two areas of consideration include your pathways and your garage. Both can play an important role in providing enhancing a buyer’s first impression of your home as well as deliver plenty of satisfaction for you right now.

The Garage — No matter whether you choose a two or three car garage, you’ll want to make sure that this area of your home is used properly. Assuming that the garage will house your vehicles, the remaining room can be used for storage, particularly for bikes, lawn equipment, a workbench, and more. You’ll get great use from this space while potential buyers will see usable “living” space.

The Pathways — Will you choose asphalt or concrete for your driveway? How about stone or brick? The look of your driveway can make all of the difference for your home with some materials providing many years of rock solid durability. Materials for your driveway can be used for the front and side paths as well as a rear patio area.

Finally, with your garage you can add value to the home by choosing special garage doors which improve your home’s appearance. Distinctive wooden carriage doors with either a swing, fold or slide look are popular and add to the character of your home.

Tags: driveways, garage doors, Home Construction, new home, pathways

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