“What is identity theft?” you might ask. It is defined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as “fraud committed or attempted using the identifying information of another without lawful authority.” In other words someone steals your personal information like your social security number and tries to pass themselves off as you. Thieves can obtain loans or credit cards, assume your persona and/or commit crimes as if they were you. You may think identity theft only happens on rare occasions or only in movies, but this criminal activity is becoming more and more prominent, prompting intelligent individuals to protect themselves.

So, how do you protect yourself from this type of crime? The primary action is prevention. You shouldn’t live in fear but you should use well thought out precautions.

Preventative Measures

Do not readily give out your social security number. One instance that comes to mind is when you register at the emergency room. They give you a short form asking your name, social, and your symptoms. There is no reason to write your social, they’re going to ask for your insurance and personal information later. Registrars oftentimes leave these lying around in plain sight of others.

Your children’s information is also at risk. If your doctor’s office gives you paperwork asking for their social, don’t give it to them. All they need is your insurance numbers to file claims. Just because you are in a professional setting doesn’t mean the receptionist or cleaning crew aren’t criminals. I know this might sound like I’m going overboard, but if they don’t “need” this information don’t give it to them.

Credit card numbers, pin number, passwords, and residence information should also be protected. Cover up the numbers on your cards when you are swiping them at the supermarket. Put your back to the people behind you when you’re entering your pin. Never share your pin number or passwords with anyone and be creative when choosing them. Don’t use obvious numbers like your birth date, family name, or address number. These are the first things thieves try. If your cards are stolen, thieves are likely to have your driver’s license with your address and birthday on it.

Think about how many websites ask for your name, address, credit card number three-digit code found on the back of your card, and the expiration date? Keep your credit cards locked up at home. Carry only the cards you will use when you go out. Separating them in one wallet and your driver’s license and cash in another is a great idea and keep one or the other in your pocket or jacket. Pick pockets might get one, but without the other, it is more difficult to use your cards. Always sign your credit cards on the back with “ask for photo ID” to prompt cashiers for proof you are the cardholder. Most cashiers will then ask for a driver’s license, but not always. In that situation, it is perfectly appropriate to bring this to the attention of the cashier or manager; they may be ignorant to your purpose. Just consider this as your way of helping others who use this precaution.

Unsolicited mail for credit card offers, credit card statements, and doctor bills should be guarded. Use a mailbox that can be locked. You can also request paper statements be stopped and instead have them mailed to your e-mail. Why? This type of mail hold information like where you bank, account numbers, among other personal information. By asking these to be e-mailed, you will need to log-on to secure websites. User names and passwords are necessary for anyone to obtain this type of information.

When it comes to unsolicited credit card offers, loan offers, offers to refinance or take equity out on your mortgage, sign up with the FTC’s national “Do Not Mail Registry”. This will massively reduce bulk mailings. Purchasing a shredder and shredding this type of mail is another means of protection. If it has your name on it and you don’t need it, shred it.

What about your tax returns, financial files, unused checks, and credit cards not being used? Keep them locked up in a fire-proof, combination safe that is bolted into the ground somewhere obscure in your home. Is this really necessary? My answer is an emphatic “Yes!” Think back to your pickpocket, did he get your wallet with your driver’s license and address? If so, who is to say they are not a burglar as well. They’ve checked you out and now they want more. It’s just plain stupid to leaves these items laying around your home waiting to be used for their benefit.

Identity theft is something real we have to deal with today and you are not an exception. Thieves are lurking everywhere waiting for the opportunity to become you and unfortunately, you will be left with the burden of their actions.