Identity theft is on the rise.  Whenever the economy is bad identity theft appears to increase.  Nevertheless, there are ways to prevent identity theft.  No one wants their bad twin running around town spending their money.  Especially when it's not a twin, just another bad apple.  Below are some tips to avoid someone stealing your identity. 

The first step to protecting your identity starts with you.  Stay vigilant.  Pay attention to what's going on.  Most thieves are not magicians.  The next important tip is to buy a paper shredder.  When your trash leaves your home it goes on a journey, coming in connect with people you don't know.  Shredding all documents with your name and address is a smart move. 

There are some advance thieves out there.  Advance thieves use fishing techniques.  Fishing techniques are when you get an unsolicited letter in the mail, or a phone call.  They know you name and address but not much else.  When fishing, thieves will ask you to verify information like, your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, or your birth date.  Don't fall prey to fishing.  If a company is calling you about your account with them, they already have your important information.  Unless, you call them - don't give out any information. 

Every year you are allow one free credit report from the three major credit bureaus.  This is a good time to check if your identity has been stolen.  The three major credit bureaus are Equifax (equifax.com), TransUnion (transunion.com), and Experian (experian.com).  If you order a credit report from each -- order one in April from one, then order another in August from another, and order the last free credit report in December from the remain credit bureau.  Remember, when viewing your credit report look for charges that you didn't make, or errors.