Preventing identity theft is not easy but defending the most common forms of identity theft is well worth it. The most common methods of stealing ones identity are card swiping, mail stealing, trash digging, picking of wallets and spy ware (retrieval of personal information). Knowing how to prevent identity theft can mean the difference between losing your hard earned fortune and saving it. Here are some of the ways you can fortify your privacy:



Shred your credit cards and credit card receipts, process checks and junk mail as they may contain private information. Also, minimize the use of mail to send or receive financial documents and checks. Eight percent of identity theft fraud results from stolen mail.





Use reliable software to detect and remove spy ware that may send personal information to commercial sites. Suspicious sites may try to scam you of your money or personal information. Always buy from reputable online sites.



When swiping your credit card check to make sure there are no additional devices added that might read your credit card number. Always use reliable and reputable ATMs.



A lost wallet is the easiest way an identity thief can steal your personal information. Always keep track of your wallet and if it is lost, quickly suspend your lost credit card accounts.



Never carry your social security card around with you unless you really have to. The victim detects Seventy percent of identity theft. And those who check their bank account by electronic means discover identity theft sooner than those who rely on paper statements sent through the mail.



Failing to follow these steps of prevention puts you at hi8gh risk for being framed for criminal activity, being blackmailed and being charged for expensive items. In the United States alone over nine million individuals are victims of identity theft every year. If you fall victim to identity theft do the following immediately:



Place a fraud alert on your credit report and review your credit report.



Close accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with.



File a report with your local police or the police in the community of the theft.



File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.



Stay alert once the problem is resolved.



Change all of your passwords and pin numbers.



We all have the ability to avoid identity theft. Like anything else worthwhile, it does take some effort.