Advantage Newsletter - December 2009

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft

December is National ID Theft Prevention Awareness Month, and with the holidays and economy driving people to find extra cash, now is the time to talk about identity theft and how to prevent it. As many as 9 million Americans each year are victims of some form of identity theft. Identity theft is committed in different ways, and with today’s technology, there are even more ways identities are stolen.

Some of these ways include stealing a credit card; capturing personal information online; breaking into your home and taking personal information such as a social security card; and creating accounts in your name, such as a cell phone account. Identity theft should not be taken lightly—the consequences can be severe, which is all the more reason to be watchful and proactive when it comes to your security and well-being. Here are some steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:

1. Shred documents with sensitive information.
   
   
2. Create sensible passwords and change them regularly.
   
   
3. Keep passwords private.
   
   
4. Use secure online sites.
   
   
5. Maintain a safety deposit box with important documents.
   
   
6. Keep your social security number secure.
   
   
7. Monitor your credit report.
   
   
8. Keep only the basics in your purse or wallet.

If your identity is stolen, thinking quickly and knowing what to do right away will improve the outcome of the situation. Share your knowledge about identity theft with family members, friends, coworkers, and anyone that you think could benefit from the information.