You might be wondering just what identity theft actually is if you haven’t been a victim. Identity theft is the use of some ones name, birth date, social security number or other personal identifying information for illegal gain. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. There are several method one can use to prevent identity theft:

» Don’t give out your social security number. The one most important item to an identiy thief is your social security number.

» Check your credit report regularly. By checking regularly, you will notice any unusual discrepancies before they become a major problem.

» Monitor your credit card bills for charges that you haven’t made. This is the best way to tell if someone else is charging on your card.

» Buy a shredder and shred all papers before tossing them into the trash. It’s awfully hard to use information that has been shredded.

» Don’t print your social security number on your checks. This is an old habit that has been outdated.

» Don’t give your credit card numbers to strangers. No matter how trustworthy a person might seem, they could be waiting to assume your identity.

» Don’t give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Even if you initiate the call, be sure of the recipient of your personal information.

» Guard your identity as you would any other valuable asset. Your identity in someone else’s hands can ruin you and your credit.