Please understand that this article deals only with the topic of "financial" identity theft which is by far the most prevalent today.

However, you should be aware you also have the following "5 MAJOR" identities in computers across the nation which are your:

1.) Driving Records/History (DMV Databases).

2.) Medical Records/History (Medical Information Bureau Database).

3.) Social Security Records/History (SSA Database).

4.) Insurance Claims/History (C.L.U.E. Database).

5.) Criminal, Legal and Public Record databases from birth records and real estate deeds to corporations, trusts and court cases.

Yes, we are in the information age but all information is stored in databases.

I think we are now living in the database age.

1.) Keep a list of all credit card and bank account numbers with bank phone numbers so in case of loss or theft they can be notified immediately.

2.) Use only one credit card for personal expenses and one card for business expenses and monitor accounts online weekly.

3.) Always send or receive mail only through secure and locked mail boxes.

4.) Never give out any sensitive information (SSN, Acct #, Pin #, Password Etc) via an email solicitation. Always type in and visit the website directly.

5.) Limit the information on your checks to your first initial, last name and address (nothing more).

6.) On all credit cards instead of signing your name write “Check ID!”.

7.) Never use a debit card or Visa/Master Check card as recovering fraudulently accessed funds from these accounts can be extremely difficult.

8.) Store all credit cards, bank statements and passports etc in a secure and locked place.

9.) Never give out your Social Security Number, Drivers License Number or Date Of Birth unless they have just cause and really need it.

10.) For details about establishing and initial fraud alert on your credit reports visit: www.experian.com, www.equifax.com, www.transunion.com.

Jay Peters is the founder of Consumer Publishing Group which publishes the Credit Secrets Bible (in print since 1994).

To receive Free Credit Tips including “How to Bullet-Proof Yourself From Identity Theft For FREE!” visit their website: Credit Secrets Bible

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