In recent years, data security, identity protection, and asset preservation topics have played a prominent role in society. Unfortunately, these problems prevail due to the relentless pursuit of our assets by an ever-increasing number of “Bad Guys” lurking in the shadowy corners of the Internet. One of the goals of this Blog is to educate our readers in the art of staying safe at minimal cost and disruption of daily routines.

A couple of years ago, I first reported on a little-known Credit Rating Bureau called Innovis, having learned of its existence from Jacksonville’s “Consumer Warrier,” Clark Howard. Clark is familiar to many local talk radio listeners, and he is recently back on the topic with new information. I thank Clark for his updated information and suggestions.

Just when you thought we had the credit freeze topic covered, there are additional agencies we need to contact for our individual and collective complete safety and security. The “big three” (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), plus Innovis, account for 95% of online protections. I desire 100% safety, both for me and for all of you. Several smaller and lesser-known agencies are now active, and some deserve our personal attention. Consolidation in the credit reporting industry has created a few important agencies out of a hoard of small (and generally less influential) outfits, heretofore mostly unknown.

A list of new credit freeze suggestions includes LexisNexis, Clarity Services, ChexSystems, and if you have not already done your freeze at Innovis, include that in the new list. All of these are easily reached through a simple Internet search, and once there, instructions are available online to complete your credit protection journey.

It is important to note that the credit freeze process applies to individuals, rather than couples or households. For each freeze you implement, be sure to separately cover both spouses, if married. You will want to have available copies of your driver’s license(s).

As our mothers pounded into our heads over decades, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” These online tasks are tedious and ever-changing, but each one adds to the probability of you (and your spouse) remaining safe from the prying eyes of Internet thieves. Being thorough requires a comprehensive credit freeze process, to include Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, Innovis, LexisNexis, Clarity Services, and ChexSystems. Don’t be the next victim of identity theft.

Before we go, I’ll remind everyone to sign up for the free home title protection service provided by most County Register of Deeds Offices. Call us if you have any questions. A little one-time effort beats a monthly expense in my book.

None of our suggestions today will cost you a red cent. Don’t delay.