December 5,2006

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  Reducing Your Exposure to ID Theft (Part 1 of 3)

  
  Here are some basic tips to keep yourself safer from identity theft.

  
  1.) Don't bother with ID theft insurance. It may sound contradictory, but it doesn't prevent the crime from happening, and its usually expensive.
  2.) Password protect all bank and brokerage accounts with a password that is non-intuitive (no pets' or children's names!), and several digits long.
  3.) Always review your monthly statement. Check it for errors before tossing it – it is often a fraud victim's first alert that something is amiss.
  4.) Guard your mail. Consider a locked mailbox or slot into your home.
  5.) Don't carry vital ID like your social security card unless you have a good reason to. Keep it in a secure place when not in use.

   

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