How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Consumers across the nation are becoming educated when it comes to identity theft. They're learning simple steps they can take in their daily lives to keep their information safe and secure. While these strategies can help to fix identity theft now, nothing is perfect. This is one of the reasons consumers also turn to identity theft protection services, which monitor your credit and information every minute of the year. For your day-to-day life, consider employing these strategies, which can reduce the likelihood you'll fall victim to an identity thief:

• Guard your Social Security number: Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Keep it in a safe location. Only provide it when absolutely necessary and ask your creditors if there is another tool you can use for customer service (such as a password or security question). Look at documents such as your health insurance card or auto insurance card – even your driver's license. If your account/ID numbers on those documents is related to your Social Security number, ask for it to be changed. Work to eliminate the number from accounts and account materials.
• Value your trash: Don't laugh, but your trash says a lot about you. Ever notice how private investigators in movies are always shown digging through people's trash? That's because we give up secrets that way. Don't toss out credit card receipts, account statements, anything with your personal information without first shredding it. A shredder might be the most valuable investment you make this year. Shred any document that is headed for the trash with your name and personal information printed on it. And seriously consider opting out of receiving mail solicitations. It can save a tree – or a thousand – and also will reduce the likelihood that someone could steal your identity.
• Get tricky with passwords: Sorry, your dog's name is not good enough when it comes to passwords. You need to make them significantly more difficult to crack. Never use information such as your year of birth, Social Security number or names of relatives in your passwords. They can be easy to guess. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers and characters (such as $) for your passwords. Think of something truly unique, and don't tell anyone.
• Keep your information secure: It is always smart to keep account statements, tax records and other personal information on file. But be wise about it. Don't leave this information lying around the house. Instead, get a home safe or a safe deposit box at your bank. Find out how your personal information is stored at your place of business – can someone get your Social Security number simply by opening a file drawer? What about your doctor's offices? Find out how your information is kept safe by third parties.
• Keep your belongings with you: This might sound obvious, but have you left your purse or wallet unattended at the office? What about for a moment at the grocery store? You'd be surprised how quickly a thief can take your wallet. Unfortunately, the workplace is a common site for identity thieves. Always bring your belongings with you when you leave your desk, or find out if you can get a locked cabinet for your protection.