WARREN, N.J., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Getting married should be one of the happiest times for a couple, but the exchange of vows can leave newlyweds vulnerable to identity theft, a crime that affects an estimated 9 million Americans each year.

From the time a couple starts planning a wedding until well after they return from the honeymoon, they put a lot of personal information at risk. Gift registries, bridal expos and processing name and account changes are just some of the ways they open themselves up to identity theft.

Now, the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies is offering services, through its alliance with Identity Theft 911, to its homeowners and auto policyholders to help prevent identity theft during these life changes. Marriage Identity Services are designed to help couples planning their weddings and newlyweds avoid identity theft and resolve fraud involving the misuse of their personal information.

"Couples who are getting married have many details to consider as their happy day arrives, so it's easy to overlook the increased exposure to identity theft," said Maria Fernandes, client services manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "With the busy wedding season upon us, couples need to remain vigilant and keep a tight rein on their identities."

October is now the most popular month for weddings, supplanting June, according to a survey by The Wedding Report.

Marriage Identity Services include:

• Pre-marriage identity check-up, including screening both partners for existing identity theft, since they may not have ever checked or applied for credit and don't know if they've been victimized;
• Pre-marriage identity theft counseling on local marriage license requirements, including documentation, and counseling couples on preventing marriage license and other confidential information from becoming public record;
• Name change assistance for brides--guide them through changes with Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, driver's licenses, passports and financial accounts; and
• Assistance on changing single accounts to joint accounts and changing beneficiaries.
  

"The world today is different than when our parents and grandparents got married," said Matt Cullina, CEO of Identity Theft 911. "Couples now need to safeguard their identities or risk having them stolen or compromised, and the costs and inconvenience associated with recovering one's identity can be astronomical."

Cullina offers the following tips for those getting married:

• Don't place your Social Security number on your marriage license, which will become part of the public record;
• Create a new "free" e-mail account to use for marriage/honeymoon planning and marriage services;
• Be careful with the information you provide to wedding planning and social networking/personal wedding sites;
• Track and monitor your credit card expenses; and
• Prepare a living will and consult a lawyer, accountant and financial planner on important matters.
  

Identity Theft 911 is a leader in identity theft victim resolution, defense and education. The firm serves more than 12 million households. Chubb homeowner and automobile policyholders have access to Identity Theft 911 services, including identity fraud resolution, inquiries, education and document recovery. More information on Chubb's offerings is available at www.chubbidtheft.com. Additional information about Identity Theft 911 can be found at www.identitytheft911.com.

The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb's global network includes branches and affiliates in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. Chubb is a worldwide leader in insuring fine homes, automobiles, yachts, antiques and other collectibles, and personal liability. Additional information on Chubb can be found at www.chubb.com/personal.

    Contact: David Hilgen
    (908) 903-4165
    Email: dhilgen@chubb.com

SOURCE Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

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