by Roshan Richards

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 24, 2009

Identity theft isn't just on the rise anymore- it is soaring. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) an estimated 10 million people fall victim to identity theft each year in the United States alone, and the U.S. Department of Justice Statistics states that identity theft is now surpassing drug trafficking to become the number one crime in the nation. So chances are if you haven't already been a victim of identity theft, someone you know has. It is a crime that carries no bias or profile. It targets all nationalities, the young and old, living and deceased, male and female, and private citizens and business communities alike, leaving in its wake damages to the tune of tens of billions of dollars annually, ruined credit, and emotionally spent lives. This is sobering information, but there are things that you can do to protect your identity and reduce your chance of becoming a statistic.

1. Do Not Keep Your Social Security Card in Your Wallet. In fact, don't carry anything that may have your SS# on it, like an insurance card, for example. Your SS card should be kept in a secure place with all of your other official documents, such as birth certificates and immunization records. If your wallet or purse gets stolen, and your SS card is in there, the criminal will have immediate access you your whole financial world.

2. Photocopy the Contents of Your Wallet. It is quite difficult to remember what was in your wallet when it isn't in front of you anymore. Make sure you have a photocopy of your driver's license, credit cards, one personal check (so you have your account number and routing information), and any other personal identification such as passport or military I.D. so you can verify to authorities who you are and exactly what was taken. Keep these photocopies with your other official documents, as stated above, along with the contact numbers for your credit cards so you can cancel them immediately if stolen. When travelling abroad, copies of your identification and the contact numbers to the credit cards should be taken in case theft occurs there.

3. Be Selective With Your Personal Information On Checks. Since you shouldn't carry your SS card with you, you also shouldn't have it printed on your personal checks. Think about how many perfect strangers handle those checks daily. Also, instead of printing your full name on your checks, put the first initial of your first name along with your last name on them (such as: L. Burns). Any thief who steals your

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