| When it comes to identity theft, probably the | | | | you're not traveling, try to limit the number of |
| most common thing said is, "It could never | | | | credit cards you carry with you. |
| happen to me." However, in recent years this | | | | Take all receipts with you. When you shop or dine |
| country has seen a rise in this particular white | | | | out, make sure you are handed the receipt. Don't |
| collar crime. In 2007, 8.4 million people were | | | | have clerks place receipts in a bag where it could |
| reported as being victimized on account of some | | | | slip away unnoticed. Once you're finished recording |
| type of identity fraud. If you truly believe it can't | | | | the information, shred what you have. |
| happen to you...imagine if these millions of people | | | | Check your monthly credit card and banks |
| thought the same thing! | | | | statements. It is a bad habit to ignore statements |
| The risk of identity fraud can be decreased | | | | as they come in - if you overlook a fraudulent |
| considerably if you remain vigilant at all times and | | | | recurring charge, who knows how many months |
| are careful about your private information and | | | | could pass before it's caught? Check statements |
| finances. It doesn't take much for an unscrupulous | | | | every month and look for anomalies. The sooner |
| person to use your name for dubious purposes, | | | | you do, the sooner you can report them and |
| but the measure you take to protect your | | | | dispute the charge. |
| identity can not only help you, but assist in | | | | Use a locked mailbox where possible. If you do |
| resolving any issues that may arise if you are | | | | business for yourself, consider investing in a PO |
| indeed targeted. | | | | Box where only you have the key. It isn't difficult |
| How can you avoid having sensitive, personal data | | | | for somebody to simply open a standard roadside |
| stolen? Here are a few steps you can take to | | | | mailbox and take what's inside. The less access |
| keep your peace of mind. | | | | you give to your mail, the better for your |
| Carry the minimum amount of personal | | | | protection. |
| information with you. It isn't necessary to keep | | | | By knowing what to do and remaining watchful of |
| your Social Security card in your wallet - put it in | | | | your spending and records, you can reduce the |
| a safe place at home like a personal safe. If | | | | risk of identity theft. |