How to stop identity theft

Dear Heloise: Some of your readers don't seem to understand identity theft. It is not someone getting your name and address and using it — it is someone getting your name, address AND personal information such as Social Security number, account numbers and passwords.

Cutting your name and address off a magazine or catalog is OK, but no one is looking at old magazines to steal your identity! There's no more information there than in the phone book.

• Shred ALL financial statements with name, address AND account information. Shred the convenience checks your credit-card company keeps sending. Shred old utility bills and canceled checks.

• Do not keep your Social Security card in your wallet — keep it with your birth certificate, passport, etc., preferably locked in a fireproof box or in a safety-deposit box at the bank.

• Do not respond to e-mails asking you to verify account or personal information. If you receive this kind of e-mail, call the business using a phone number you should already have to confirm if it needs this information.

• Keep track of your bills. If you don't receive something, contact the sender to make sure when it was sent, and ask how the sender will help you prevent identity theft if the missing mail was intercepted.

• Review your credit-card statements closely to be sure all the purchases are yours. Contact the bank right away if you see unfamiliar activity. You shouldn't be held liable if you inform your bank quickly.

• If you have lots of credit-card accounts and department-store accounts, consider closing several so there are fewer for you to monitor. You really only need one or two credit cards. Almost all department stores, gas stations and grocery stores take a major credit card. Most will accept debit cards.

• Check your credit reports once a year for any inaccurate information.

I am familiar with this issue because I am a former credit-card-fraud investigator. — Jennifer West, Elkton, Md.

Jennifer, you are right about taking the time and effort to monitor financial information. Many people carry far too many charge cards and are putting themselves at risk. Thank you for writing this letter. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Whenever I have to create a password for a new computer program or Web site, I am at a loss. I usually end up using part of my name or birth date — everything people are cautioned against!