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Little did she know that she was about to experience a new challenge:a stolen identity.
It was written at a retail store in a state she had never even visited.
I panicked and began combing through my statements, checking every line, every check and every payment.
Thats when she realized her worst fears: her identity had been stolen.
I immediately contacted my bank, and they confirmed it, Marissa said.
I thought I had always been cautious and careful with my information, but it hadnt been enough.
She concluded it had to be from the checks she had written in connection with her medical bills.
Online Payments Only
Marissa said that she now avoidswriting checksaltogether.
Fraud Alerts and Freezes
Marissa also placed fraud alerts on her credit files.
Ive even gone as far as freezing my credit, she said.
This means that no one can open a new credit account without my explicit permission.
Regular Financial Checkups
Marissa also regularly reviews her finances.
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