Advantage Newsletter - December 2008

Identity Theft—Know the Types & Prevention Methods

December is National ID Theft Prevention Awareness Month, and with the holidays and economy driving people to find extra cash, this 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 the proliferation of technology, there are even more ways identities are robbed.

Some of these ways are 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 mobile 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. Take these steps to help guard against identity theft:

• Shred documents with sensitive information.
• Create sensible passwords and change them regularly.
• Keep passwords private.
• Use secure online sites.
• Maintain a safety deposit box with important documents.
• Keep your social security number secure.
• Monitor your credit report.
• 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. The faster you act, the better your chances will be for curbing the effects. Share your knowledge about identity theft with family members, friends, coworkers, and anyone that you think could benefit from the information.