Identity theft continues to be the fastest-growing crime in the U.S.  

Here are several ways you can protect yourself against identify theft:

• Shred all confidential information you no longer need, including receipts, financial statements, and bank/credit card applications and old cards.  If you don’t have a shredder, tear or cut them in small pieces and put in the trash and not in recycling.
• Do not carry your social security card or other important papers in your wallet.
• Don’t have your social security number printed on any document when not necessary.
• Review your monthly financial and credit card statements carefully for any unauthorized transactions.
• Don’t provide confidential information via email.
• Don’t provide your bank/credit card or bank account information to anyone on the Internet or the phone unless you initiated the contact.
• Photo copy the contents of your wallet in case of theft.
• Put your bill payments in a U.S. mail drop box or take to the post office. Do not put in your mailbox.

If you think your identity has been stolen, call the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).

Source:  Wellness News You Can Use, National Wellness Institute, October 2004).