5 simple steps to protect against identity theft

Are you a victim of identity theft? According to Joanna Crane identity program of the Federal Trade Commission, 80% of the victims of flight, saying that the call to the Federal Trade Commission, having no idea how it happened.

In addition, an FTC investigation indicated that 4.6% of respondents said they had been victims of identity theft last year. Furthermore, a recent report by the General Accounting Office estimated that more than 750,000 Americans are victims of identity theft each year.

Is an invisible enemy and are personal and financial information from the United States, identity thieves easy access? What can the average American to protect against these personal attacks on his private life? Although there are no guarantees, here are five simple steps to prevent identity theft:

1) statements of private Shred credit card, tax records, bank statements, pre-approved credit cards or other documents deals with private financial information.

2) If you are inundated with card offers pre-approved credit, you can call toll free 1-888-567-8688 exclusion request and remove your name from the mailing list. Additionally, you can call the National Do Not Call Registry at 1-888-382-1222 for unsolicited telemarketing calls, stop where you disclose personal information.

3) Check your credit report at least once a year. You are entitled to a free credit report entitled and can be obtained by calling 1-877-322-8228. Look for suspicious activity. It is also advisable for the protection of credit service that will inform you of changes to your credit report subscribe.

4) Check your mailbox granted every day and do not express the mail in your mailbox. Theft of mail is an easy way for thieves to protect personal information. The best thing is that the outgoing invoices and checks to the post office or other safe places email. If you believe your mail has been stolen, you should contact the nearest postal inspector. You can look in the white pages in public services or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.

5) be defensive and cautious with your information. Do not disclose personal information freely. No "validate" your personal or financial information when contacted by email, even if it is a company concerned; have this information on file. It may seem legitimate and realistic, but these attempts are becoming more demanding and this type of fraud is called "phishing".

We have five simple steps the average person can do to prevent identity theft exploring. In this age of communication and technology and more misleading than ever, it is imperative that thieves continue to report to you. Be careful and understand that this information may be collected and used, and it is up to you and your famliy this growing trend of savings.