| Identity fraud has continuously grown and is now | | | | person unless it is essential to do so. |
| considered as the fastest growing crime in | | | | 4. Monitor when your bank statements are |
| America. It has taken many forms like identity | | | | delivered and check they are on time, at the |
| cloning, commercial or business identity theft, | | | | same time every month. Once your bank |
| financial, and criminal identity theft. It occurs when | | | | statements arrive, check them thoroughly. Failed |
| someone without authority uses the personal | | | | delivery of your bank statements even for just a |
| information of another person for the benefit of | | | | single month should be an alert that someone |
| illegal activities like illegal immigration, espionage and | | | | might have changed your mailing address, to |
| other activities prohibited by law. | | | | prevent you from discovering a fraud activity |
| Simple ways to prevent Identity fraud | | | | related to your identity. |
| 1. Since identity thieves know many ways to steal | | | | If you suspect that you have been a victim of |
| information, it is important that you are careful | | | | Identity fraud, minimize potential further damage |
| when throwing out your rubbish. It is safer to | | | | by contacting your credit company and the three |
| shred papers including letters with details of your | | | | major credit bureaus. Placing a fraud alert on your |
| personal information prior to putting them in the | | | | account is one way of preventing further records |
| garbage. | | | | being messed up. Do not forget to report the |
| 2. It is essential that you should be defensive | | | | Identity fraud incident to the police and keep all |
| when someone asks for your personal | | | | the police reports and other documents that will |
| information like details about your Social Security | | | | prove Identity fraud activity. |
| Number. Ensure that you are reminded of the | | | | These simple actions are sensible tips to prevent |
| privacy policy of any company asking for this | | | | yourself from being an Identity fraud victim. |
| information and that they are honest enough not | | | | Although, nobody can ever be sure that they are |
| to share your information with anybody else. | | | | forever free from being victims of this fastest |
| 3. Leave and keep all your personal documents in | | | | growing crime, being careful is goes a long way |
| a secured place. Never carry them on your | | | | towards preventing Identity fraud. |