Avoiding Identity Theft Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk






		Avoiding Identity Theft Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk Your identity is one of your most valuable assets. Protect yourself by knowing where your identity is exposed and how to defend it against identity thieves. A small effort on your part to change key habits and practices could keep you from becoming a victim.



What identity thieves want most Your Social Security number is the key to cloning your identity. Your bank accounts Reduce paper transactions Mail and marketing lists Trash and shredding of personal information Your personal and business checks Your wallet or purse Credit, debit, and ATM cards Credit reports and credit files Shopping and application forms Web sites and email Computers and networks Passwords and PINs



	What is identity theft? How can a criminal steal my personal identity? Are there laws against identity theft? Can you determine where the identity thief got my information? If I become a victim, will you be able to solve my problem? What methods do identity thieves employ? 10 Key Data Points on Identity Fraud If I become a victim, should I still worry about protecting my identity? If I become a victim, will I have to file a police report? What if the police won't take a report? If I become a victim, will I need a lawyer? If a criminal has taken my identity, should I cancel my credit cards?