How do Identity Thieves Steal Your Personal Information?

This is a common question. Everyone should know that identity theft is a huge problem, but few understand how the thieves steal the identities of honest, law-abiding citizens.  Why would an honest person even think about it?

This is a difficult post for me to write because I am walking a fine line between helping people to prevent identity theft and giving the criminals ideas. It will be a bit general for that reason, but if you keep reading, I can help you.

First of all, secure your computer. Statistics say that only 11 percent of identity theft is carried out by hackers and crackers, but that still represents a substantial number of people.  Ten million new victims of identity theft are minted each year.  If 11 percent of those identities were stolen online, it adds up to over a million people.  Lock down your computer and be safe.  Especially if you're on a PC, you can easily protect your Windows PC from Malware, but don't get complacent if you are on a Mac. You should use browser passwords and clear your browser cache from time to time. Not opening e-mails from people you do not know is easy, and everyone knows not to give anyone any information by e-mail -- legitimate businesses do not ask for sensitive personal information through such insecure means, and you are smart enough to realize that if you've read this far.

Once your computer is secure, realize that almost 90 percent of identity theft happens in the real world. The thieves that you need to worry about are the patient ones who piece you together bit by bit. They will go through your garbage at home and at work, getting your address, family information, birthday (Don't throw birthday cards away without shredding them completely!), job, salary -- and anything else you give them. Well, they would get that stuff except that you are smart and careful enough not to give it to them.

Of course you should never carry around your Social Security card or passport because those are open invitations to identity theft.

If you fill out forms (at a doctor's office, the DMV, or bank, for example), cover your paper from other eyes.

Know exactly where you may have applied for credit or given personal information so that if your identity is stolen, law enforcement can talk to those people who had access. You will be prepared to help them.

Of course you know enough to monitor your identity with one of the very powerful tools available. This way if you do end up compromised, you should be able to nip it in the bud and go on your merry way.

If you do what I have suggested, you will make life much easier for yourself. Can you protect yourself? You can now.