Articles on identity theft are full of useful information gained from various sources, after much research.

Statistics and data from government agencies and departments are incorporated into such articles and they save you an immense amount of time and effort required in hunting for specific information on the Internet.

The Internet provides a wealth of related articles concerning identity theft information at one place. You can update yourself with important information just by spending some time in going through the tools and resources that are now so readily available.

Important identity theft facts help you to take timely action after becoming a victim. These quick actions will save you countless hours of work, potential financial loss, and great frustration and stress.

Articles on identity theft are a great source to increase your awareness about this fast growing crime. Identity theft is spreading and occurring in epidemic proportions.

You can find such articles on this site and others. These articles can provide you with in depth details of the steps you need to take to prevent someone from stealing your identity.

Although it is impossible to totally prevent identity theft, there are ways to minimize the chances of an ID thief from succeeding in his attempt.

In fact, you can access our free tools related to Identity Theft. Here's a quick sample:

• Preventing Id Theft!
• Identity Theft: What's It All About?
• Frauds & Scams!

Some tips on 'what to do to prevent identity theft' are stated below:

• As soon as you get your credit card, sign the back. This will make it difficult for a thief to assume your identity during a personal transaction, if asked to verify the signature.
• Be very careful about how you carry your credit cards. (In fact, you might want to consider NOT carrying a credit card with you at all. After all, credit cards typically just lead to additional debt.) Keep only one credit card in your wallet and keep your wallet safe. Always make sure you collect the card back from the store clerk after each purchase transaction.
• Make it a habit to refuse disclosing your social security number to anyone, especially over the phone or by email. The same would stand true in the case of your employee identification number. Both these numbers constitute important information that can be misused by an identity thief.
• Many people punch in their PIN numbers at ATMs or retail stores casually, which is a mistake. Take care to cover the keypad when punching these numbers to prevent someone peeping over your shoulder to get your PIN number. Never carry your PIN with you, memorize it.
• Never throw away cancelled checks, charge slips, junk mail that contains your personal information, pre-approved credit card offer forms, financial and billing statements etc. in the dumpster without shredding. Always use a shredder machine for sensitive documents.
• Your credit card or ATM cards are meant for personal use. Never give them to anyone.

In case your personal information is stolen you should immediately freeze all your credit card accounts.

It is advisable to open new accounts and change your passwords. Avoid using common passwords such as your mother's maiden name or your date of birth.

Rightly so, many articles on identity theft advise readers to call any one of the credit reporting agencies and inform them of the identity theft. Ask them to put a fraud alert on your account. This will prevent an ID thief from opening any new credit account under your name. It is mandatory for the credit bureau you call to inform the other two credit reporting agencies about your issue, but you should call each one just to be sure they have placed an alert on your account.

Lastly, you should consider buying identity theft insurance. More insurance carriers are now offering this product. The product is inexpensive and can save you a lot of time, stress and expense in the event you become a victim of identity theft.

The history of identity theft is yet to be written, but the first 10 years is a very sad story to be sure. So don't become a victim, protect yourself by researching the various articles on identity theft.

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