by Lisa Mazurek

Created on: November 24, 2011   Last Updated: June 05, 2012

Identity theft has become a very big problem and is costing Americans millions of dollars every year. If you don't want to be the next victim of identity theft than try these ten helpful tips.  

Tip # 1

Never carry your social security card or credit cards with you. A social security card or a credit card that ends up in the wrong hands can be very costly. If you need to carry these items, they now sell a wallet made of a material like steel that prevents any radio signalsfrom reading your magnetic strips on your credit cards or other cards. They range in price from five to ten dollars. This can happen. I have had two cards demagnetized. I was lucky as far as I know.

Tip #2

Always shred important papers. This includes bank statements, credit card statements and mail that may have important   information about you. Identity thieves will go through your garbage to find any information about you. So even your garbage isn't safe. 

Tip #3

Never give out your social security number over the phone or on line. When filling out job applications do not write your social security number down because you don't know how many people will see it.

Tip # 4

Always keep track of your credit report. There are three credit bureaus that can give you a copy of your credit report. I would suggest contacting all three,  just to compare them and see if they match. You can go to www.transunion.com, www.equifax.com/ and www.experian.com.  You should do this every six months or three months if you are really concerned.

Tip # 5

Look for any discrepancies in your credit report. Anything that was charged to you that you never ordered or received. Creditors that are unknown and you don't owe money to. Look at your name to see if it was used with a middle initial that you don't have. Go over all employers you worked for to see if there are any listed that you never worked for. Check previous residences. Are they all correct? 

Tip # 6

If you find anything that isn't correct or doesn't look right than you need to act immediately. The first thing to do is contact  your local police department. Tell them you may be a victim of identity theft and you want to report it. Show them what you found because the more details and information you have, the easier it will be to help you. It  will also help in stopping or minimizing the damage.

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