Nowadays, taking steps in preventing identity theft is an essential part of our lives. Over the last few years the profile of the crime has risen nearly as fast as the crime itself (its now the fastest growing crime in the world). To most people, the realization that the identity thief wants your identity for just one reason: To commit as many acts of fraud as possible before you find out.

Identity thieves want your Social Security card number, passwords and bank account, credit card number and other information. Therefore, in preventing identity theft, ensure that you have your own system in place so you never accidentally give out sensitive information. So where are the potential dangers and risks that can compromise your security? Lets briefly take a look at some of them.

Your Mailbox: Keep it locked. It’s amazing how many people still think they live on Waltons mountain and don’t bother to lock their mailbox! It’s one of the easiest steps to take when preventing identity theft is your goal. Without it, it’s so easy for the identity thief to just walk past and grab your mail unnoticed. It’s also a good idea to cancel paper bank statements too and just use the online service for checking your account details.

Wallets and Purses: It seems obvious but guard your wallet at all times. Your wallet or purse may well contain all the information an identity thief requires. Never carry your social security number around with you, leave it somewhere safe at home. After all, when was the last time you were asked for your number in a normal day at work or out and about.

Trash Can: A shredder costs around $20 and is an essential tool in preventing identity theft. Known as dumpster diving, the active identity thief thinks nothing of rummaging through trash in the hope of finding a bank statement, a canceled check etc. The identity thief knows full well that dumpster diving is the easiest way of stealing an identity from someone. Don’t let it be yours!

Don’t Ignore The Professionals: A company like Life Lock charge around $10 a month and there are other similar companies now springing up. It could be a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with it.

Giving Away Information: The identity thief is a brazen thief. Posing as your doctors office, your bank etc. they will often phone or email folk asking for personal information. Emails especially seem to work well for them, probably because of the sheer numbers. Software allows them to email millions at a time so it only requires less than 1% to comply and they’ve had a good day at work. Never give out social security numbers, bank account details and especially passwords. Your online bank, ebay, Amazon etc. NEVER ask for your password in an email.

Lockers and Storage: Its a sad fact that you are likely to know the person who steals your identity. Put your own lock on lockers at work and the gym. If you are flat sharing, don’t leave any personal documents around and if you put anything in stowage at you friends/brother in laws etc. garage or basement, put personal things under lock and key.

These are just some of the steps required if you are to be successful in preventing identity theft effecting you. For many more tips and advice on preventing identity theft please feel free to grab your copy of our complimentary ebook, “Facts About Identity Theft“

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