| According to statistics from 2006, identity theft | | | | Be Sure to Shred Your Mail |
| happens to more than eight million people a year. | | | | You should shred all financial documents that you |
| As a result, there are a slew of companies | | | | don't need for your taxes - bank and credit card |
| offering services to prevent it. There ARE | | | | statements, offers for credit cards that come in |
| measures that the average person can take | | | | your name, utility bills, etc. Purchase a crosscut |
| though that will help prevent identity fraud. This | | | | shredder for the most security. By shredding |
| includes protecting your privacy,and your personal | | | | documents this way, it will decrease the chance |
| information, shredding mail and financial | | | | that someone will steal your documents from |
| documents, and monitoring your credit diligently. | | | | your information. |
| You might also consider purchasing identity theft | | | | Always Monitor Your Credit Reports |
| insurance. It won't stop it from happening, but it | | | | A new law that took effect a few years ago |
| will prevent scammers from taking over your | | | | entitles every consumer to one free annual credit |
| savings and ruining your credit. | | | | report from each of the three major credit |
| How to Guard Your Privacy | | | | reporting bureaus: Experian, Trans Union, and |
| Most people don't know their rights with their | | | | Equifax. If you choose to space your reports, you |
| privacy information, nor do they know how | | | | can obtain a credit report every four months. |
| companies treat their personal data. Most people | | | | Monitoring this information on your credit report is |
| are aware that they shouldn't give out personal | | | | a huge step in keeping identity theft from |
| information through an emailed link or through a | | | | happening to you. |
| telemarketer. But, it is still a challenge for most | | | | Consider Purchasing Identity Theft Insurance |
| people when they are faced with an "official" | | | | Identity theft insurance won't help prevent this |
| sounding company who is asking for personal | | | | type of fraud. It can, however, make getting |
| information. Of course, identity thieves are aware | | | | back on track after it occurs. Typically a policy will |
| of this - they are impersonating collections | | | | cover out of pocket expenses, as well as any |
| agencies, good will agencies, and medical facilities. | | | | charges you are responsible for. Most companies |
| When someone is on the phone pressuring you | | | | won't find you personally responsible for charges |
| that a loved one is in danger, or your house may | | | | made by an identity thief, but it's best to check |
| be foreclosed on, you are faced with conflicting | | | | to make sure. This insurance is very reasonable- |
| feelings when they are asking for your social | | | | priced between $25 to $50 a year for between |
| security number. | | | | $15,000 to $20,000 in coverage. |