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by: PaulWilcox
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Word Count: 372

Identity theft is an increasingly common problem and it is extremely important to protect yourself. One of the simplest things you can do is to get an unlisted phone number. Most people don't realize it, but many phone companies sell their customer information - names, addresses, and even calling records to people willing to pay them for it.

This puts you at risk for identity theft because the more companies with your personal information, the more chances it will be abused or lost.

Using a post office box is another option. By having your bills and statements sent to a post office box, you'll be safer from criminals who steal these things out of people's mailboxes. It can also keep you safer from people who want to connect your name and address by researching your utility bills. A post office box will help shield your physical address.

While you're at the post office, always mail bills and other letters containing checks and personal information from the post office. This will eliminate the chance that your personal information will be stolen out of your mailbox.

This is a common method used by identity thieves, but can easily be avoided by ensuring you never put anything containing personal information in your local mailbox.

Never put your phone number, social security number, or any other information on your checks. Your name and preferably PO Box address is all you should put. Some stores won't like it if you refuse to supply them this information but it is not required if you show ID. Most businesses run your check through electronic verification on the spot anyway, so never give out personal info on a check.

Your social security number is particularly important to safeguard. Even if companies request it, don't give it to them unless they're using it to run a credit check. Again, limiting the number of places that have this information limits the chances of it being stolen.

When applying for a job, don't give your social security number until and unless you are hired. Gaining access to social security numbers stored in files is a common way of identity theft as well so make sure only companies that are secure and don't share customer information have access to your number.

About the Author

Is your internet security really doing what it's supposed to? Don't just blindly count on some software package to protect you. Find out what you really need to know to keep yourself safe online at the Security Manor website. Visit http://www.securitymanor.com for more helpful information.

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