Be safe from ID theft : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Be safe from ID theft

Latest statistics indicate that almost 1/4 of us have had some part of our ID stolen - either personal through social security numbers or other personal information, or financial through stolen credit card numbers. Those whose ID's have most been stolen include college graduates (30%), persons making more than $75,000 per year (30% and persons residing in the Western US (31%).

So what are some basic steps you can take:

1. Buy a cross cut shredder and use it all the time. Make sure and check those "0% for 3 days" credit card offers for blank checks that can be used to open a credit card in your name.

2. NEVER provide personal or financial information to someone that you don't know. This seems like simple common sense but people give out that information constantly.

3. Constantly check your credit report. For a few dollars you can join myfico.com and be alerted when a change happens that would effect your credit rating.

4. Amazingly, and most importantly, almost half of identify theft is done by someone you know. Don't let your friends know your social security number or give them your credit card.

We have info on our website about what to do and who to contact in case of ID theft.