How can you prevent identity theft?

Question

How can you prevent identity theft?

Answer 1

In today's society with computers and the ability to obtain your information from a variety of sources it is almost impossible to prevent identity theft. There are a lot of things that you can do to minimize your chances and the resulting damage.

First is to obtain you credit report every year. New Federal legislation that is going into effect shortly makes it mandatory that the credit agencies provide you one for free.

Another good idea is to opt out of all the credit card offers. Keep a low level credit card and pay it off each month, especially for internet uses. The same is a good idea for bank accounts. Have one account at a separate bank and only keep a minimal balance. Keep your savings account at another bank because the bank can and will transfer money from one account to another without your knowledge.

Especially important is to not give out any personal information over the phone. Scammers are particularly adept at this tactic and will appear perfectly legitimate.

Answer 2

It can be quite tedious at times, but here's what I do.

Get a mailbox with a lock.  Avoid any online shopping, banking, or bill paying. Shred every piece of mail (I shred anything with even just my name on it, if someone went through my trash, they wouldnt be able to even tell you who lived there).

Basically, you have to be invisible.