Identity theft can be prevented by:

Using a gel pen when writing checks. Gel cannot be washed and checks altered.
Secure your personal information in your home.
Guard your social security number.
Destroy all documents that contain personal information before putting it in the trash.
Do not put out-going mail in your unsecured home mailbox.
Demand businesses protect your information.
Do business with reputable firms.
Be vigilant when on the internet.
Carry only the information and cards on your person that you will immediately need.
Contact the Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service to stop junk mail.
Review your credit report annually. One free annual report is provided annually.

Go to www.annualcreditreport.com.

Identity thieves get your personal information by:

Stealing wallets and purses.
Stealing your mail which includes your bank account and credit card information, pre-approved credit card offers, new checks and tax information.
Completing a change of address form at the post office to divert your mail to another address.
Finding information in your home.
Physically stealing information from businesses, bribing employees who have access to files, or hacking into electronic files.

How identity thieves use your personal information:

Thieves call credit card issuers posing as you to change your mailing address. Using that information they use your credit card to run up charges. Because of the time lag, it may take some time before you even realize the theft.
Thieves steal your name, social security number and date of birth to open new credit accounts. When the bills are delinquent it is reported on your credit report.
Thieves use information to open new bank accounts and write bad checks.
Thieves file for bankruptcy under your name.
Thieves buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.

Billions of dollars is lost by businesses and individuals annually. It takes 330 hours to restore a lost identity. Should you be the victim of identify theft, react immediately by:

Notify your bank
Notify your credit card companies to impose a credit alert
Notify your employer if your employer ID is lost or stolen
File a police report
File a report with the FTC. Obtain the “tool box” to restore your credit. The FTC has instituted laws that make suppliers responsible for safeguarding your information.

It is best to be cautious and aware. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Protect your identity.