PREVENTION
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In today's fast-moving, information-oriented society, there is no one way to be absolutely secure from identity thieves.  There are some steps you can take to protect yourself, however.  Be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM.  Shield the keypad when you enter in your password and always take your deposit or withdrawal slips. Safeguard your social security number and social security card---do not carry your card in your purse or wallet where it could be stolen.  Do not give it out to strangers or over the phone.  Do not provide it to businesses or others unless you initiate the call and it is absolutely necessary.  

Carefully monitor your monthly bills and statements.  Know when they arrive in the mail each month and call the company if they are late or fail to arrive. (Thieves have been known to misdirect statements to false addresses.) Compare credit card statements to receipts from known expenses.  Balance your check book frequently to make it easier to notice discrepancies.  Pore over telephone and cable bills to make sure there are no additional addresses, lines or other services that you have not ordered.  Store credit card statements, bank deposit slips, ATM withdrawal strips, and canceled checks in a safe, secure place.  Shred or burn old bank statements, credit card statements, medical records, or any other paper that contain sensitive information about you; do not simply throw them away.  One way for thieves to acquire information is to "dumpster dive."  

In addition, know the people and companies with whom you do business. Some companies with which you do business may sell your personal information to other companies. Check with your banks and credit card companies to see if this is a standard practice at their company; if so, opt out of the mailing list.  It is important that you safeguard your personal information, and assert your right to privacy.  To be even more proactive, have your name removed from telemarketing and mail-marketing lists.  For more information on how to do that, see the RESOURCES page.

Individuals need to be aware that is it very easy to get detailed information about them that might allow identity theft to occur.  A lot of this information is easily available over the internet.  When signing up for new internet accounts, never put personal information in any member profile or sign-up area.  If necessary, make up information to complete the registration.  In addition, pick gender neutral addresses and screen names, such as "readtome" or "MC212."  Names such as "JohnDoeVA" or "Fungirl" give others unnecessary information about who you are.  Clever thieves know how to access this information and use it to their benefit; the best defense is to give them nothing to use.   

And, it never hurts to request a copy of your credit report to see if there is anything unusual included on it. If so, follow up. Most identity theft experts suggest you should review your credit report at least once a year.  Others advocate every six months.  For information on how to request a credit report browse the internet, or see the RESOURCES page.