Identity theft is a serious problem for many residents of Mississippi. It can wreak havoc on your financial and personal life, and the problems can last for years. 

But what exactly is identity theft and how can you protect yourself from being a victim? What should you do if you’re a victim of identity theft?

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a blanket term that refers to a broad range of activities involving someone stealing your personal information, like your Social Security number or bank account numbers, and using it to create new accounts, apply for loans, make purchases, lease cars or residences, and even obtain employment. 

Victims of identity theft may lose thousands of dollars before ever suspecting a thing, and once you’re identity has been stolen, it can take years to close fraudulent accounts, get some of your money back, and fix your credit. 

Mississippi ranks 37^th in the US for identity theft complaints. In 2017, there were 69 identity theft complaints per 100,000 people in Mississippi, and a total of 2,064 identity theft complaints across the state. 

Steps to Prevent Identity Theft in Mississippi

There are several steps you can take to prevent thieves from stealing your personal information. According to the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General, consider doing the following to protect your personal data:

• Order your credit report at least once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus. Review them for inaccurate or suspicious material. 
• Place passwords on your credit card, debit card, bank, phone, or any other utility accounts you have. Avoid using easily available information for passwords, like your mother’s maiden name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or your birth date. 
• Consider installing a locking mailbox to keep thieves from stealing mail with sensitive information right out of your mailbox.
• Carry only the identification cards, credit cards, and debit cards that you absolutely need. Keep unused cards in a secure location within your home.
• Only provide your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. Before providing it, ask if you can use another form of identification.
• Ask that your Social Security number be removed from your driver’s license or obtain a replacement or duplicate license. You may also request that your thumbprint be placed on your driver’s license as an additional security measure. 

You can also:

• Secure all personal information in your home or office. 
• Shred any documents containing personal information before throwing them away. This includes receipts you receive when purchasing goods or services. 
• Update your computer’s antivirus software regularly. 
• Try not to store any financial information on your home computer or laptop. 
• Review your credit card and bank statements every month. Look for any changes or withdrawals that you do not recognize. 
• Pay attention to the billing cycles of the various credit accounts you use. If they arrive late, or not at all, contact the appropriate creditor.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft in Mississippi 

The Office of the Mississippi Attorney General offers some advice on what to do if you’re a victim of identity theft in Mississippi: 

• Contact your local police department to file a report. Be sure to get a copy of the report for your records and to assist in clearing up the damage caused by the identity thieves.
• Contact the creditors for any accounts that you think have been corrupted or opened fraudulently. Speak to the fraud or security department to report the theft. 
• Immediately close any existing accounts and only open new ones that are protected by a PIN number or a password. 
• Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus and inform them that you’re a victim of identity theft. They can place a fraud alert on your file. 
• Contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and request an Identity Theft Packet. Complete the enclosed Identity Theft Affidavit and return it to the Attorney General’s Office in order to initiate an investigation. 

Does Insurance Cover Identity Theft in Mississippi

A local independent insurance agent can help you assess your need for identity theft insurance from your personal insurance carrier. 

Personal identity theft insurance is available. It can protect you from some of the costs associated with identity theft and certain other types of cybercrimes, such as the costs of making phone calls, making copies, mailing documents, taking time off from work without pay (lost wages), and hiring an attorney. It likely won’t cover any direct monetary losses.

In addition to identity theft, cybercrime insurance in Mississippi might cover:

• Ransomware attacks and cyber extortion
• Malware attacks
• Phishing scams 
• Attacks that compromise your bank account(s)
• Cyber bullying or Internet stalking

Identity theft insurance may be sold as a stand-alone policy, but for individuals it is more often sold as part of a package or an endorsement to a Mississippi homeowners insurance policy. Not all home insurance policies or companies cover identity theft. You’ll need to discuss your coverage with an independent insurance agent. 

In some cases, identity theft insurance might be included in your standard home insurance rates. Stand-alone identity theft insurance might cost between $25 and $60 per year, on average, but everyone’s rates will be a little different. 

Identity theft insurance will have policy limits and deductibles just like most other insurance policies. As with any insurance product, you need to understand what you’re buying and compare the price, coverage, and deductibles among multiple insurance companies to make sure you’re making a wise choice.

How Can an Agent Help Me Purchase Identity Theft Insurance in Mississippi?

A Mississippi independent insurance agent can help you learn about and purchase identity theft insurance in Mississippi. Independent agents aren’t tied down to a single insurance company so they can shop around and get you multiple quotes.