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by: MichaelBenifez
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Identity theft is becoming the fastest growing crime problem in the United States, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Criminals commit identity theft by stealing and using the names, addresses, bank account information, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers of almost 10 million Americans each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Learning about how thieves can get your information is the first step in protecting yourself from becoming an identity theft victim.

At the Corporate Level

The biggest headlines about identity theft tend to happen when thieves hack consumer databases and steal hundreds - or even thousands of names. Thats not the only way that identity theft can happen at the corporate level, however. Outsiders can con or bribe an employee to get information. Identity theft can also happen from the inside. This happens when an insider, like an employee or a contractor, gets hold of credit reporting information and confidential personal data. Insiders also can steal information from the employers trash or files.

At the Personal Level

Identity theft doesn't receive as much publicity when it happens to an individual. The number of ways it can happen at this level, however, are just as distressing as when it happens to a corporation. The simplest method for a criminal to get your information is from stealing or finding your wallet, digging through your trash, or looking over your shoulder as you use the ATM.

There also are more complex ways to get your information. More sophisticated methods criminals may use include looking for the information of people who have died recently, stealing your mail, or getting your credit card information through 'skimming'. 'Skimming' involves using an electronic device to steal your information. This can happen when you use your credit card to buy something, and the person uses a skimmer to access your information. This device also has been found on some ATMs.

Criminals also may try to get your information through phishing. This is one of the methods that receives the most publicity for identity theft. Phishers will create a website that looks like the site of a legitimate business, and then send out e-mails to try to lure people to enter their personal data on this site.

After Your Identity Is Stolen

After stealing your personal data, the identity thief will start using your identity and will pose as you. Less experienced criminals will go on a spending spree with your credit cards, will open new cards in your name, and may write checks or open cell phone accounts.

More sophisticated thieves won't just steal your money. They'll use your identity to do anything they want and get anything they need. These criminals will get personal identification, like a driver's license or Social Security card, and use it to take out loans, open bank accounts, and get out of making payments on debts that they created in your name. To make things even worse, some of these criminals will use your name and identity when they are arrested.

The Best Defense

Although nobody is entirely protected from identity theft, there are precautions you can take to help reduce the chances that you will become a victim.

1. Protect Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security number is the most important piece of personal information you have. Never print your Social Security number on any form of personal identification, and never have it pre-printed on your checks. Don't carry your Social Security card with you, and try to avoid using your Social Security number to identify you. Even though may agencies and organizations ? like colleges, medical providers, and your employer - request that you give them your Social Security number, reconsider whether you want to give it to them. It's impossible to tell who will have access to that number.

2. Protect Your Mail

You can help make your mailbox less attractive to criminals by reducing the amount of unsolicited offers (like credit card offers) that you get in the mail. You can opt out of credit card offers and insurance offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT or by logging on to www.optoutprescreen.com. You can choose to opt out for five years or to permanently opt you. Shred offers you do receive before you throw them out.

Cancel mail delivery when you go on vacation. Mail sitting in your mailbox can be attractive to criminals both those who want to rob your house and who want to steal your identity.

Also protect your outgoing mail. Put mail in a secure mailbox like the blue U.S. Postal Service boxes and don't leave it in your mailbox at home. Don't include information in any mail that someone could steal and use against you. For example: Only write the last four digits of your account number and not the whole thing. Your creditor can identify your account with those last four numbers, but they won't help a criminal steal your identity.

3. Protect Your Trash

Many things that you throw out - including credit card offers, bank and credit statements, bills, and ATM receipts have your personal information. Thieves can collect this information and use it for identity theft. You can minimize the chances of this happening by shredding your mail before you toss it. You should also cut up old credit cards before putting them in the trash.

4. Be Careful on the Telephone

You may receive calls from high-pressure callers who promise you a fabulous vacation at an unbelievable price, all in exchange for your personal information. Remember that you should never give personal information over the phone if you did not initiate the call. You can limit the number of this type of phone call by joining the national Do Not Call registry. You also can simply hang up anytime you receive a call for something that seems too good to be true.

5. Protect Your Computer

Don't respond to unsolicited requests for information; your bank will not e-mail you to get personal information. Protect your computer with a password and change it often. Don't share your password with anyone, including your friends and loved ones. You also may find it helpful to run a Google search periodically for your name and the last four numbers of your Social Security number. What you might find may surprise you.

6. Protect Your Wallet

Write "Photo ID Required" or something similar on the backs of your credit cards instead of signing them for additional protection of identity theft. It will be more difficult for a thief to buy things with your stolen credit cards if you do this. You also should copy everything in your wallet and store the information in a secure location like a home safe or a filing cabinet. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you?ll have all the information you need to cancel your credit cards.

7. Protect Your Deceased Relatives

Unfortunately, even the dead are not safe from identity theft. When a loved one dies, you should get at least 12 copies of the official death certificate. Use this to notify all banking institutions, insurance companies, and creditors that your loved one has died. Make sure to remove the person's name from all joint accounts.

You also should contact the credit reporting bureaus and request a "deceased" alert. This will put a notation on your loved one's credit report that they have died and cannot be issued a line of credit.

8. Report Any Suspicious Activity

You should review your credit reports at least once a year and contact creditors and the credit bureaus immediately if you see anything that looks suspicious, including information that is incorrect.

Contact the police if you ever suspect that someone has made an attempt to steal your identity. You should file a police report and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can contact the FTC at 1-877-IDTHEFT.

What's Next?

Having your identity stole can be devastating and frustrating. Identity thieves are skilled at finding potential targets and using that information to hurt you. You must stay alert and knowledgeable to protect yourself from such thieves.

About the Author

Now you can remove the confusion in your mind on the topic of protection of identity theft. Drop by today at http://www.everlife.com/identity-theft.php.

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