Identity Theft Prevention Tips

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By parushing

My top 10 List

Shred any personal identifying documents you do not wish to keep. Bank statements and utility bills are prime fodder for identity thieves. They give way to much personal information out and this is exactly how our identity was stolen. By someone riffling through our trash.
When shopping online make sure that it is a secure site. If you don't see https leading the URL in your browser do not use your credit card on that site.
If you receive a phone call from someone that claims to be a bank or other financial institution do not give them personal identifying information unless you are absolutely positive of the source. Talking to your mortgage broker or personal banker is ok as you know these people, but if someone calls claiming to be from your credit card company and needs you to verify personal information request a number to call them back.
Do not let schools, employers, insurance companies etc. use your social security number as your identification number. This is a common problem. Be vigilant about it. If the person you are dealing with does not understand why you want a different number escalate the situation until you are satisfied.
Ask about identity theft procedures. Companies such as your bank, credit card company and employer should have procedures in place to protect your personal data. Also find out about procedures in the event there is a breech of information. Find out what your liability is in the event of fraudulent charges to your credit or debit card.
Be careful with your mail. Mail theft is another tool that identity thieves use to secure your identity. They steal from your mail box or even will be bold enough to submit change of address forms to the postmaster and companies you do business with. I recommend using a locked mailbox if you have home delivery or a PO Box for sensitive communications from financial institutions.
Do not have your full name, social security number or drivers license number printed on your checks. Just use your first initial when having your name printed. I rarely write checks and definitely not to merchants. Use your debit or credit card whenever feasible.
Don't fall for phishing. There is not a company out there that requires you to submit personal information via email or instant messenger. If you receive request for this type of information via email always call and verify. A common scam right now is an email from the IRS with an attachment that is malicious and infects your computer. The IRS will never notify you of an audit via email.
Monitor your credit report. This is reactionary protection but is necessary. If you find entries on your credit report that you did not initiate it usually means you are a victim of identity theft, but if caught soon enough you can minimize your damages and cost.
Keep your anti virus software up to date and use a firewall. Spyware and viruses can infect your computer and steal your personal information and send it god knows where over the Internet.

Life Lock
A very proactive solution to help with Identity Theft Prevention. Most services only let you discover that you are a victim. They help you with prevention by taking the necessary steps to lock down your credit report.
Wipe Drive by White Canyon
Erase hard drive data targeted in identity theft with WipeDrive. Learn how you can use WipeDrive to completely wipe & erase hard drive data.
Federal Trade Commission
Government agency that helps consumers that are victims of Identity Theft
Identity Theft Statistics
Online Identity Theft
Resources to help with online identity theft.