| You've heard the saying "it's not if, but when." | | | | steps to protect your good name and your good |
| This applies more to identity theft than anything | | | | credit. Here are just a few examples of how to |
| else now. If you have not heard of identity theft | | | | get started quickly and easily: |
| or if you are under the impression that "since it | | | | 1] Get a mailbox lock to prevent thieves from |
| hasn't happened to me by now, it won't", then | | | | intercepting certain pieces of mail before you get |
| you are living in the stone Age. | | | | it. |
| The biggest problem is that it is so easy for | | | | 2] Get a paper shredder (preferably a cross cut |
| people to commit identity theft, the rewards are | | | | shredder) and shred all documents containing |
| great for these criminals, and the repercussions | | | | potentially sensitive information before placing in |
| are relatively low in comparison to the potential | | | | your garbage. |
| outcome (risk vs. reward). Therefore everyday | | | | 3] Check you credit reports ASAP. |
| tens of thousands of criminally minded people | | | | 4] Remember to forward your mail when you |
| around the world are thinking this is a no brainer | | | | mover or are away for a long period of time. |
| from them. | | | | These are just a few of the many things you can |
| Another saying that is more true now than ever | | | | and should do to protect your identity. It does not |
| before is "the best defense is a great offense." | | | | take long and there are some real quick and easy |
| The only way you can avoid having identity theft | | | | one stop solutions available as well. |
| from happening to you is by taking proactive | | | | |