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You will want to do all that you can to prevent identity theft. Identity theft is a growing crime and its results can be devastating to the person whose identity is stolen. It can take years to straighten out or prove that your identity has been stolen. Identity theft prevention is something that you should take very seriously. Most thieves can steal your identity simply from going through your garbage. Yes, you read that correctly. They will go through your garbage to get your tossed out credit card and bank statements. Never throw out this information in the trash. Buy a shredder that cross cuts the paper and credit cards that are put through. Shredding your financial documents is the first place that you can start to prevent identity theft. A decent cross cut shredder will probably cost under $75, but it is a wise investment and a small price to pay to prevent identity theft. If you frequently use ATMs, make sure you can cover the keypad in such a way that no one can see what you are doing. If you notice anyone hanging around suspiciously or who is getting too close to you, leave the ATM immediately. There are thieves who are adept at shoulder surfing and can obtain your PIN number easily. You will be able to locate another ATM quickly enough to get your transaction done. If you have a bad feeling about a situation, it is best to listen to that inner voice and leave. Never leave your outgoing mail in the mailbox for the postal carrier to pick up. Mail theft is another way that identity thieves can get your information. They can easily open your mail and change your address. Once that is done they can wreak havoc with your banking and credit card accounts and you won't even know it for a month or two. It is worth the effort to mail your bills at the post office. If you notice that your credit cards are about to expire, but you did not receive the new cards in the mail, call the credit card company. It is possible that someone changed your address and the new credit cards were sent to the thief's address. Cancel in writing all credit cards that you no longer use. There is no reason to keep these accounts open and they are easy targets for identity theft. Keep a copy of the letter for your records so you have proof in case worse comes to worse. Create different PINs and passwords for your accounts. If you are asked to provide your mother's maiden name, don't give it. Make up a maiden name! No one will know that it isn't correct except you. Thieves will be able to find out your mother's maiden name so it is not a name that is personal and original just to you. If you can, have a mailbox that is a slot through your front door because it will prevent your mail form getting stolen from the mailbox. If that is not possible, consider getting a locking mailbox or having your mail get sent to a PO Box at the post office. This is one way to make your mail secure. For more insights and additional information on the topic of Identity Theft Protection as well as finding more resources to help you prevent identity theft, please visit our web site at http://www.idtheftprotectiontips.com
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identity theft prevention, identity theft protection, identity theft,
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