What Identity Theft is
Maybe you have heard many recent news stories concerning identity thefts. It is basically the use of your personal social security number, drivers license number or maybe even something like your mother's maiden name (many internet sites ask for that), by an unathourized person, meaning someone other than your own self. That is not a very comforting thought, i am sure you will agree. It is good to stay prepared for the event that such misfortune may befall you. It does sound like too much at first. But imagine you go shopping, select your favorite trousers and when it is time to pay you are told your credit balance is next to zero on your card. Only you know that it cannot be so - now you would need to follow up with the bank etc. Here is how you can take measures to prevent identity theft

At the house

1. If you are the kind who likes to take some of your work home, be careful not to let your personal data files get mixed up with work files on your hard drive.

2. As far as snail mail post goes, it is wiser to drop it off at the post office yourself rather than to leave it unattended in the mail box. Also, if you suddenly decide to go on a trip, do call the post office and ask them to hold your letters until you contact them again.

3. Do not throw away used bills, credit card statements and other personal finance data. Throwing them in the bin would allow someone to get at that information, if they have already targeted you. Instead, it is better to destroy such papers. use a shredder!

4. Do not keep all your eggs in one bank basket! Allot different accounts to your social security, insurance policies and credit cards.

And at the work place

5. Get to learn about the safety of data at the office. Someone always does have access to all your data and it is probably the network administrator.

6. Many of us use the internet to make finance transactions today. If you have clients online that are rated badly by other users, try and find out why. Never give out personal information to anyone over the internet, unless it is a trusted company.

7. Use something like a Pay Pal account to make online purchases. Every time you use your credit card you are increasing the risk of identity theft.

8. Never give your social security number, card pin or other personal information to an unknown tele caller. On the other hand, if you have made the call for a reason, it may be ok to do so.

9. When ever you deal with a web site, look for their security policy.

Follow these steps and chances are, your identity will remain yours!