http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/redir.php?jid=aaa68a73506cdea3&cat=c08dd24cec417021By Kevin Corke
NBC News correspondent
Updated: 7:26 p.m. ET April 25, 2005Barbara Haviluk says the call came out of nowhere.
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"Discover Card informed me that a person had all my information," she says.
A thief had her mother's maiden name, her Social Security number and more.
"It was like an out-of-body experience to realize that somebody could then use me for their financial gain."
She's not alone. More than 5 million Americans have had their personal information lost or stolen in the last six months. Many don't realize there are things they can do to protect themselves.
Experts say you can ask the credit reporting agencies for what's called a "fraud alert." Typically good for 90 days, they raise a red flag on any unusual credit activity.
You can tell credit card companies to stop sending those convenience checks. They can be stolen from your mailbox.
Consider using a P.O. box or perhaps buying a lockable mailbox for your home
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This is going to be law in future states!!! Fight Back!!!