Here is Part 3 of this series on Identity Theft, I hope this information is helpful and you may never have to worry about this!

Managing your Personal Information, Do it Now!

Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts!  Avoid using easily avaible information like mother's maiden name, birth date, last 4 didgits of SSN or your phone number.

When opening new accounts, you may find that many business have a line on their applications for your mother's maiden name.  Ask to choose the password instead.

Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in or on your home.

Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at business, doctor's offices, or other institutions that collect your personal identitfying information.  Find out who has access to your personal information and verify that it is handled securely.  Ask about the disposal procedures for those records also.  Find out if information will be shared with anyone else.  If so, ask that your information can be kept confidental.

Everyday things you can do.

Don't give out ANY personal information on the phone, through mail, or online unless you truely KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH.

Identity thieves are cleaver, and have posed as representatives of banks, ISP's(Internet Service Providers), and even as Government Agencies to get people to reveal their SSN, Mother's Maiden name, Account Numbers, and other information. 

Always confirm you are dealing with a legitimate organization!

Check their web sites by type the URL DO NOT FOLLOW LINKS TO GET TO THEIR SITE!

Or just call your customer service number that should be on your statement or in the phone book.

Treat your mail and trash carefully.  Put your out going mail in Post Office collect boxes, or at your local Post Office, rather than a unsecured mail box. Remove your mail ASAP.

If you can't pick up your mail or being away from from home call 1-800-275-8777 to request a "Vacation Hold" on your mail.

ALWAYS shred your trash that has any form of personal information on it!

DO NOT carry your SSN card in your wallet, store it in a SAFE secure place.

This is the end of part 3 of this series I hope this information is helpful, remember to vote.

Look for part 4 coming soon!