Identity Theft

What to Do After Your Data Is Stolen By M.P. DUNLEAVEY:

• Put an "extended fraud alert" on your credit report which will last for seven years. You've got to call your bank, contact your local police precinct (what can they do?) and file a copy with the F.T.C.(877-438-4338).
• Get a copy of your credit report and review it for suspicious information; freeze it if your state allows it.
• Don't cancel your online bill-pay service; "As long as your computer is protected with a firewall and virus software, online banking and bill paying may reduce the risk of data theft by reducing the number of people who handle your transactions."

This reporter doesn't seem all that bright to me; s/he says that when you're a data theft victims, "...you'd think someone could take the trouble to send you a copy of your credit report". And as far as the last point is concerned, a couple of weeks ago DUNLEAVEY wrote:

Curtail electronic access to your bank accounts. Pay bills through snail mail. Avoid linking your checking to savings.

Anyway, the advice on firewall and virus software makes sense, but how many will fail to heed it?