Identity Theft Protection Tips
In 2004, 9.3 million Americans were victim to the ever-growing crime of
identity theft, according to a 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report. Identity
Theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States and it can happen to
anyone.

Thieves use stolen personal information to open charge accounts, order
merchandise, and even to borrow money in the victim's name. From digging
through the trash for copies of credit card receipts to stealing mail and
wallets, thieves have discovered numerous ways to get personal information
on others.

Follow the tips below to help protect yourself against Identity Theft.
* Never give out any vital information, such as your social security number
and date of birth, to solicitors or retailers.
* Report lost or stolen checks and/or credit cards immediately. Properly
store canceled checks and examine new checks to be sure none were stolen
during shipment, and store them in a safe and secure location.
* Do not dispose of any personal identifying documents without first
destroying the material (i.e. prescriptions, receipts, pay stubs, expired
credit cards, credit card applications, etc.).
* Make sure your mailbox is secure, and promptly remove mail when it has
been delivered.
* Guard your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) number, and treat your receipts
with care.
* If you are a victim of Identity Theft, contact the Federal Trade
Commission at 1-877-ID-THEFT.