top 7 ways to prevent identify theft

1. Do not carry your Social Security number in your wallet or purse. If your social security number is listed on your driver’s license, health insurance card, or checkbook, request to have it reissued with the sensitive information removed.

2. Make a list of all your credit card account numbers and bank account numbers with customer service phone numbers, and keep it in a safe place. An easy way to do this is to photocopy or scan the front and back of all the contents of your wallet regularly. This will make it easier to contact the creditors in case of theft or loss, as well as replace items such as your health insurance card and driver’s license.

3. Review your credit report annually and correct any mistakes promptly. Credit reports are available for free from http://www.annualcreditreport.com/. This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. At no time should you have to enter a credit card number or provide other type of payment for these services. What I do is to request one credit report from each bureau every four months. The information is fairly common so there’s no need for you to get all three reports at the same time.

4. Password protect your PDA’s, laptops, etc. Safeguard these items as you would your wallet or purse. Although, those passwords can be broken by a skilled hacker, you will want to at least have a deterrent in place for that petty thief.
Memorize your Social Security number, passwords, and PIN numbers. If you must write them down, do not carry them with you. For good tips on choosing a password read this article on: How to pick a good password.

5. Clean out your wallet or purse frequently. Do not carry around your social security card, birth certificate, or passport unless absolutely necessary. Remove receipts or statements with your account numbers on them, then shred or file as appropriate.
Shred your old statements and other sensitive documents. Invest in a cross-cut or confetti type shredder. Destroy anything with personal information that can be used in identity theft, such as account numbers, social security numbers, pre-approved credit applications, cash advance checks, etc.

6. Keep your phone number and address unlisted. Pay the additional fees, if necessary.
Remove rarely used credit cards from your wallet or purse. Cancel any credit cards that you no longer need. Make sure your credit report reflects the account closures.

7. Be wary of anyone who tries to solicit sensitive information from you over the phone. If they claim to be from a company you do business with, they should already have your account number, address, etc. on record. You should never be asked for your password or PIN. If you are suspicious, ask the caller for a number they can be reached, and compare it to the information in your records.