The following information is for your reference.  We are all at risk of being a victim of ID theft.  Much like looking both ways before crossing the street will reduce your risk of an accident, knowing what to watch for and staying alert can help you keep your ID safe and reduce your risk of being 'taken'.

Although a majority of ID theft is probably done on-line these days, there are still scams and techniques that can get the same information from you in the physical world.

One of the better sites is the Federal Trade Commissions web site.  Here you'll find brochures that help you understand the risks and what to watch for.

Some steps to take:

• Get bank statements via the web on a secured connection.  This reduces the chances of mail theft.
• Get a credit report at least once a year if not more often.  If anything happens that makes you suspect your ID has been taken get one at least once a month for a while.
  • www.equifax.com
  • www.experian.com
  • www.transunion.com
• Balance your checkbook seriously and watch for debits that are not yours.
• Check your credit card statements often.  Most now let you see your transactions almost instantly and you can spot fraud quickly if you are watching the charges.
• If you get a call or notice in the mail from a collection agency and the debt isn't yours this is a loud warning.
• Use a shredder on all mail you get that has your personal information on it OR offers you a credit card or anything else that could be used by a thief.
• Hold your SSN close to your chest...if people ask for it question them on why they need it or even if they truly need it.  And never give it out over the phone unless you know the person on the other end.
• Make sure any financial information on your computer is passworded.  Many computers are stolen today for the data that may be on the hard drive and not for the machine itself.
• When upgrading your computer make sure the hard drive is wiped clean before handing it to anyone else or tossing it in the trash.  Just formatting the drive isn't enough.

Download the FTC documents to get a complete listing as well as forms needed to report a thieft.

Good luck!