| The theft of one's personal identity information is | | | | with your name or personal information on it |
| a major concern in our society, as more than 8 | | | | must never be thrown in the garbage unless it is |
| million people in the United States fall victim to | | | | shredded first. |
| some sort of identity theft each year. Identity | | | | 5. Do not write your signature on the backs of |
| thieves use information they have stolen to apply | | | | your credit cards. Simply write "See Photo ID". |
| for new credit accounts in the victims name, and | | | | 6. Destroy all digital data such as CDs Zip disks, |
| conduct other fraudulent transactions and | | | | tape, floppy disks, etc. |
| activities that can irreparable harm to the victim. | | | | 7. Review your bills and bank statements each |
| There is no 100% foolproof method of foiling | | | | month. If you find any discrepancies or |
| these thieves; however there are many | | | | questionable transactions, contact the issuing |
| precautions a person can take to lessen the risk | | | | institution immediately. |
| of becoming a victim. Here are ten things that can | | | | 8. If you do not have a lockable, secure mailbox, |
| help protect you against identity theft. | | | | be sure to mail your paid bills at the Post Office. |
| 1. Never put your Social Security Number in your | | | | 9. Do not leave your paid bills in the mailbox to be |
| wallet, purse or pocket. It needs to stay at home | | | | sent out unless your mailbox is secure and locked. |
| in a safe place. | | | | Identity thieves can easily steal your mail, wash |
| 2. Do not print your Social Security Number on | | | | the checks with chemicals, and reuse them |
| your checks. Doing so is an open invitation for | | | | fraudulently. |
| criminals to steal your number and thus your | | | | 10. Analyze your credit report at least once a |
| identity. | | | | year for accuracy. Your credit report contains |
| 3. Watch out for shoulder-surfers. If you are in a | | | | information about present and prior employers, |
| public place, take care that no one is looking over | | | | your Social Security Number, all of your current |
| your shoulder when you enter personal | | | | and past credit accounts including and your general |
| information like PINs or credit card numbers in | | | | credit score. Report any inaccuracies to the credit |
| ATM machines, computer terminals, or your | | | | reporting agency immediately. |
| phone. | | | | 11. Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware |
| 4. Shred Everything. Many identity thieves make a | | | | software is up to date for protection from |
| practice of dumpster diving to retrieve personal | | | | viruses, malware, and spyware. |
| information that has been thrown away. Anything | | | | |