According to the FTC, 1 in 4 households have been affected by identity theft.
In 2003 alone, more than 10 million people were victims of identity theft.
That is not a misprint.
The extent of the problem is epidemic.
Until the lawmakers catch up with the problem, the responsibility is yours to be diligent with protecting your identity.
Here are some tips that will help to avoid having your identity stolen: 1)Buy a shredder.
You can get a good shredder at your local office supply store for $50 - $70, and it is well worth the price.
One of the ways that thieves steal your identity is by "dumpster diving".
This is when criminals will actually go through your trash searching for usable information to steal your identity.
Throwing away important personal documents such as bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers is reckless and naive.
2)Invest in a locking fireproof file safe.
Store your important documents such as birth certificate, social security card, passport, insurance papers, bank statements, etc.
in a safe place.
If you live in a flood prone area, look for one that is water resistant also.
This will not only help to offset identity theft in the event of a break in, but it also serves a great purpose in the event of a fire or flood.
3)Don't throw away your ATM receipt at the ATM.
Most ATM receipts today don't print your full account information on them, but it is something that you should be aware of as information may vary from one machine to another.
4)Watch out for the over the shoulder peeping tom when entering in a PIN number on an ATM machine.
If someone gets your PIN number, they can potentially have a better reason to rob you in the parking lot, or the PIN number combined with an employee of the business where you are using the card can get the full account number.
If you are using your debit card at the grocery store, an employee can get the full account number, and if an accomplice were able to get the PIN number, they could have full access to your account.
Before you go thinking that this is a paranoid conspiracy theory, I assure you, it has happened before.
5)Have your checks delivered to the bank rather than your home address.
There shouldn't be a problem with your bank doing this for you, and they will just call when they come in.
6)Don't carry unnecessary identification.
Don't keep your social security card or rarely used credit cards in your wallet.
Never carry your passport unless you absolutely need it.