First we need to find out how to safeguard your identity in a mixed-up world of lousy criminals, mailbox villains and would-be password thieves!

All of us are facing an attack on our personal and financial privacy.

Looking at your private financial data without someone snooping over your shoulder can be almost impossible these days. It is very important to educate yourself about that tactics and methods that people use to take, steal and abuse your identity today.

What started out as a very dark and almost unknown game has now become a very lucrative career for some gangs and other criminals.

The term, “Identity Theft” can mean many different things to different people. It could include, stealing a credit card or a debit card from some one’s mailbox, taking their Social Security Number and filing for benefits, or it could mean skimming credit card numbers at a fast food restaurant.

Most people say they have no idea how it happened or even who are the criminals involved.

One of the more popular scams out there involves mortgage brokers and very low interest rates. The eager  applicant provides their Social Security Numbers and other details, then the robbers go to work. They take those numbers and send them to one of their minions, who fill out credit card applications. With those applications, (some can be filled out online,) they go to a large appliance store and buy as much and what ever they can. They take the merchandise with them and then either sell the items or keep them and send them around to their other family members. Sickening really.

A second scam involves the use of a skimmer. It is a small electronic device that can read ALL the information found on your credit or debit card. In one night, just one person can gather nearly 75 to 100 credit card numbers with this small machine.

There are so many ways the criminals can get to us, what are some ways that we can protect ourselves?
1. Shred records, statements, bills anything that has your name on it.

2. Lock your mailbox. Very simple but often overlooked.

3. Guard your Social Security number like it is a Thousand Dollar bill.

4. Clean up after yourself. Never leave any papers behind at the gas station or at the ATM.

5. Keep your eye on that credit card. Watch your waiter when he or she walks away with your card. And if you feel nervous, write down in a notebook the name of your server, the time and date, and a quick description. I don’t want you to distrust your waiter or server, but this is your money and good name here.

6. You do not have to give out your entire Social Security Number at medical offices. Usually they file your records under your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Be careful if someone demands to know your entire number. It is a rare circumstance for some one to need your entire number.

9. Monitor your credit report often. Receive and thoroughly inspect your credit report. You can order one for FREE at Annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. For an added level of security, you can pay for a yearly subscription to an Identity Theft protection service. Notice some of the links of the right side of the page. These services notify you any time an unusual item pops up on your report or if someone is trying to open a line of credit in your name. Some of these services even call you on your cell phone and ask you questions, “Are you at Big Time Car Dealership right now, sir?” If you are not trying to buy a car from Mr. Big Time, then they would put a Fraud alert on that transaction and the authorities would be called. Very nice!

These services are often very similar so it would be good to compare them side by side. Identity Theft products are here to stay.

If you have not followed any of these helpful hints, and you do fall victim to this type of fraud, here are the phone numbers and addresses of the big three credit bureaus:

Equifax
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian
To report fraud: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
and write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289
and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634

All I can say is, I hope it does not happen to you.