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Show Notes

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 8/20/2009 5:24 AM UTC

  Consumer Rights Advocate & Identity Theft Authority Sonya Smith-Valentine Meets With Dave & Bill
  

  
  The CyberHood Watch partners, Dave and Bill, have been advocating online & offline safety for children and their families for a number of years. During this time, we have been exposed to several outstanding products and services, and have assembled the best solutions, which will afford our customers and listeners’ children, a safe and hassle free Internet experience.
  
  I mention the later statement because every so often, even when you have heard it before, hearing it again clicks, and makes a great deal of sense. That was the case with our guest today, and I hope you are paying attention when I share with you what Sonya said. I will get to that in just a moment, first I want to tell you a little more about our guest, who brightened our day.
  
  Sonya Smith-Valentine is a tireless advocate for the people, and an accomplished attorney, consultant, CPA, and a powerful keynote speaker.
  
  Having been a victim of both Identity theft and debt collection harassment, Sonya, knows firsthand, with those she represents, what they are experiencing. During the interview, Sonya made a comment, which allowed our listeners to know Sonya better as a person. Sonya made the remark that there were attorneys capable of doing what she does, but she prefers to be the attorney advocating and empowering the rights of consumers who need help.
  
  Previously, I mentioned, I would share with you a valuable tip, which Sonya shared with our readers regarding protecting yourselves from Identity theft. It is called Freezing your credit. I strongly recommend you take advantage of the service. The process is simple to apply and easily reversed when needed. Freezing your credit prevents anyone from opening an account in your name or applying for credit. This makes a lot of sense with the continued rapid growth of Identity Theft. “If you are not in the market for credit, freeze it”, said Sonya. Visit all three credit-reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union and freeze your account with each agency.
  
  Many consumers fail to realize that there are Federal laws to help protect them. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is one of those statutes available to help the consumer.
  
  Unfortunately, all too often the credit companies tend to support and defend the side of the businesses. In addition, to compound matters, the consumer mistakenly believes, while working with the credit bureau, the credit bureau is working on the consumers’ behalf. The credit bureaus; however, are suppose to act independently of either the consumer or the business in its evaluation of a dispute.
  
  What actually is taking place within the system is an “Efficiency Theory”.
  
  For example, it is much more efficient electronically to send an email over to the company indicating they have received a dispute from the consumer. The credit agency asks, what your side of the story is, then whatever that company says, is the way in which they lean, instead of spending the money and time to investigate.
  
  When it comes to Identity Theft, there are two organizations Sonya recognizes who are trying to introduce better laws and consumer protection, which are the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). These groups spend a lot of time talking to Senators and Congressman on the current state of the laws, the problems that exist, and the changes that need to happen.
  
  As consumers, we may ask ourselves, what can we do? Surprisingly, we can do something. Sonya pointed out that consumer advocates, like herself, when presenting the information to Senators or Congressman are consistently asked to cite specific instances and/or stories told by the victims. Unbelievably, your stories are extremely important, and can help effect change in moving forward current legislation, and in establishing new Identity Theft laws.
  
  When the CyberHood Watch partners, Dave & Bill, heard this, we decided we could help.Visit www.TheCyberHoodWatch.com and look for Senator/Congressman... and begin your story.
  
  Dear Senator/Congressman I am a victim of Identity Theft and this is my story. The CyberHood Watch partners will make sure your stories are heard and forwarded to the agencies, Sonya has recommended, the NACA and the NCLC.
  
  Sonya, has just told every one of you, who has been a victim of identity Theft, how you can make a difference. The fact that you are a victim of Identity Theft will never change, but you have a chance to do something about those who have harmed you, and spare those who are just as vulnerable as you were from becoming a victim of Identity Theft.
  
  Do not allow complacency to victimize you more than you already have been. Take action…It begins with, “Dear Senator/Congressman, I am a victim of Identity Theft, and this is my story…
  
  How does Identity theft happen and how do you rectify the problems when it happens to you? Sonya addresses these questions as she takes on a new facet of her career as a consumer advocate and a powerful keynote speaker. Sonya has aligned herself with sponsors willing to support her passion, allowing her to reach out to college students, colleges, and universities who welcome Sonya as she empowers students on how to protect themselves from Identity Theft.
  
  Even with the credentials of an attorney, a CPA, a consumer advocate, and an association with Senators and Congressmen, you are still vulnerable to becoming a victim of Identity Theft and subject to unnecessary credit harassment. Imagine the hardship someone without those qualification and/or resources experiences.
  
  Get excited, together we can do something about keeping our loved ones safe online and offline. Take the time and listen to Sonya Smith-Valentine’s interview. There is so much more to learn from Sonya, if you will take the time to listen to the show. After you finish listening to Sonya’s interview, look around and check out our other guests.
  
  We presented Sonya with the CyberHood Watch magic wand and asked her, “If you could waive the wand over any issue and effect a change what would that be”? You will find the answer if you fast-forward to 01:15:00 and you will find it there. I was surprised with her first suggestion and familiar with the second and third suggestion.
  
  david c ballard
  
  
  
  
  • Tags:
  • Sonya Smith-Valentin
  • Consumer Rights
  • Debt Collectors
  • Identity Theft
  • CyberHood Watch
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