HOME::Legal/Identity-Theft Identity Theft - Why More Americans are Worried By Scott Thrall Article Word Count: 261   [View Summary] Comments (0)

It can happen to anyone. Your phone rings and you are confronted with a collection agency demanding that you pay past due accounts for services or products you never bought. What happened?

Identity theft struck 8.9 million victims in 2006. According to Javelin Strategy and Research 8.9 million people were victims of identity theft in 2006, totaling $56.6 billion in loss.

Identity thieves steal ATM cards, driver licenses, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and other items with personal identity information. These criminals then use the information to impersonate their victims. The common idea is to spend as much money as quickly as possible and then find another victim.

Common ways of getting personal information include:

• Dumpster Diving - Going through trash looking for personal information.
• Mail Fraud - Stealing mail, which includes checks, credit offers, anything that will give them the ability to get credit in your name.
• Shoulder Surfing - Capturing your PIN by looking on as you conduct your transaction.

As much as sixty-three percent of identity theft can be prevented by the consumer.

Some tips to prevent being a victim:

• Shred all documents with personal information i.e. birth dates, name, address, account numbers etc. It is highly recommended to use a cross cut shredder.
• Use a locking mailbox; do not leave mail in the box overnight.
• Shield the screen and keypad with your hand and body when you enter your PIN.
• Closely monitor your accounts for unidentified activity.

Prevent criminals from getting your personal identity information. Prevention is the most effective way to protect you from being an identity theft victim.

For more ways to add security levels to your personal information visit http://www.lifelock-identity-protection.com The author has been involved in law enforcement for over 25 years. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Thrall

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Article Submitted On: June 13, 2007

[Identity Theft]