How to Prevent becoming a victim of identity theft

In today's era of credit cards and email scams, there is no way if you as an American consumer, can feel 100% safe while shopping for products online.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Identity Theft

   Make sure that you always empty out mailboxes every day. A stuffed mailbox is extremely inviting to identity thieves. If you are going to be away from home for any length of time, such as away on a vacation, have a good friend or relative that you can trust pick it up and hold for you until your return.

2. 
    
   paper shredding

   Be sure to destroy all personal and financial statements. Things such as old bills, bank statements, old tax return forms, and other receipts with pertinent accounts receivables information, etc. should be either put through a paper shredder or burned.

3. 
    
   thief

   Have a good anti-spy ware program installed on your computer. I recommend
   any of these: Norton, McAfee, or Symantec. These are absolutely 100% effective in preventing hackers, viruses, and Trojan horses from invading your personal computer's system.

4. Delete all email that you receive after it has been checked. Especially the email that goes into your junk box or spam box. This is where and how spy ware such as Trojan horses and viruses can lurk and is one of the most common ways for identity thieves and hackers to gather any information about you, in order to try and find out your credit or debit card numbers, and bank account numbers. Remember to never click on any of the spam mails or to never give them any personal information whatsoever, especially your tax ID number or social security number.

[LynnG3]

on 9/22/2008 Thanks again!!

[JMKnudson]

on 9/22/2008 Super tips. Everyone needs to follow this advice.

[LynnG3]

on 9/21/2008 Thank you!

[pianistic]

on 9/21/2008 Great!