Organize to Keep Your Identity from Being Stolen

Kim Wolinski, MSW
"Dr. DeClutter" www.DrDeClutter.com

Concerned about your identity being stolen? Most people don't even realize they are victims of identity theft until it is too late. Only 11% of respondents in a Federal Trade Commission survey were aware their personal info had been taken before discovering they were victims. That's because credit thieves keep coming up with new ways to get your information.

Holidays are an especially targeted time of year as people are busy with children, shopping, thinking of lots of other things instead of concern for their purses, wallets, paper and such.

Don't be the next statistic. Get organized with these simple steps to protect your identity.

1. Shred all documents with personal information on them.

2. Don't write down where others will easily see or find it, and don't give out your PIN.

3. Don't carry all of your credit cards with you.

4. Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them. Or, sign with CID (See I.D.) so that you will be asked to show your drivers license or other photo ID to protect you.

5. Never carry your Social Security card with you.

6. Don't have your Social Security number or telephone number printed on your checks.

7. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask that another number be used instead.

8. Don't give out personal information on the phone, on the Internet or by mail unless you initiate the contact.

9. Pay attention to credit card bills to ensure no unauthorized charges are being made.

10. Watch for monthly bills. If they fail to reach you, call the company to find out why.

11. Choose passwords carefully. Avoid the obvious, such as your birth date, phone number or
mother's maiden name.

12. Safeguard your computer by updating your virus protection regularly and using a firewall program. Don't download files sent by strangers. Look for Web site privacy policies when buying something online. Don't store financial information on your laptop, and delete personal information when disposing of a computer.

If you do become a victim, cancel your accounts, report the crime to the police, notify the credit bureaus -- Experian (888-397-3742), Equifax (800-525-6285) and TransUnion (800-680-7289) -- and get help from nonprofit counseling groups, such as Call for Action .

This article is adapted from
The Basics: Conquer the 13 Biggest Financial Fears
Original article from Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/