The people that steal your identity do so by stealing your mail, including your bank and credit card statements, credit card offers, telephone calling cards and tax information and through other statements that may have your valued information on it.

They also complete a change of address form and have your mail forwarded to another address.
They go “Dumpster Diving” as it is called by going through the remnants of persons or businesses trash to obtain personal information.
It is good to check your credit report regularly because identity theft can destroy your credit.

They may pose as a figure that has a need or a right to your personal information such as a landlord, employer, or someone who may have a legitimate reason to get this information.

They may obtain your personal or business information at work.
They find this kind of personal information in your home.
They can obtain your information that you share on the Internet.
They buy your personal information from "inside" sources. An identity thief may pay an employee of a store to obtain anything that would have your information on it such as applications or any other substantial items.

Identity thieves use your information by:
Calling your credit card issuer and pretend that they are you.
Ask to change the mailing address on your credit card account.
Then this individual would run up charges on your account.
Since your bill is being sent to another address you may not notice anything until it’s to late.

These identity thieves may then open a new credit card account with your name, birth date, and Social Security Number (SSN).
Then when they do not pay the bill it becomes a delinquent account and is then sent to your credit report.
They may get a new wireless, landline phone, or Internet service in your name.
They can also open a new bank account and then overdraw the account and write bad checks in your name.
Then to avoid paying these debts, being evicted, or paying for debts they file for bankruptcy under your name.
They can drain your bank account by counterfeiting checks or bankcards.
They can take out auto loans to buy cars in your name.

Here’s How to Guard Against Identity Theft:
Find out how your personal information is going to be used before you give it out.
Ask if it is going to be held confidential. Find out if you have a choice on how your information is used.
Always pay attention to your billing cycles and call your creditor if anything seems amiss.
Never give your social security number if at all possible.
Try to use any other type of identification.
Don’t carry more than you need.
Only carry the cards you need. If you lose your I.D. or credit cards call the credit bureau and have a fraud alert placed on your file.
Obtain a credit report from the three credit reporting agencies every year. Always ensure that the report is accurate and only you have authorized the credit activities.
Keep all your important personal information in a safe place.
Destroy anything that you do not need.
Ensure that you dispose of copies of credit applications, charge card receipts, insurance papers, statements and/or checks from your bank, any old or expired credit cards, debit cards or anything else that would be used to get your information.
Also any credit applications that come in the mail make sure you dispose of all these items properly.

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Can you afford NOT to have yourself protected?