Posted on March 24, 2009 at 3:22 am When shopping online, be sure to look for the symbol https: in the browser bar, versus the http: The https indicates that the site is secure and you can safely transfer your information online without fear that it's going to be stolen. This goes for any site, not just shopping sites. Also, reset your Internet Explorer settings (Control panel on your computer) to warn you when you switch between secure and non-secure pages. That way you can decide whether or not you can take the risk and divulge your personal details. If the page is not secured others may be able to intercept your information. Beware voluntarily revealing your social security number online unless you are sure of a secured connection.  And, remember that while online identity theft is becoming a big issue, the most common way for your identity to be stolen is offline. So shred all your documents before sticking them into the trash. If you feel that you are a victim of identity theft you should alert all three major credit bureaus and ask them to put a fraud alert on your file.  This will alert current and future creditors that your identity has been comprimised so they will take extra precautions before granting additional credit or opening new accounts. This will keep the would-be identity theif from easily obtaining credit with your info. Do you have any tips which might help a person avoid identity theft?  

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 9:41 am A few more points: If a bill doesn't arrive on time as expected, it may be that a person has filled out a change of address card for your home and had your mail diverted temporarily. That can be done in the US and it's a very scary way for identity theives to steal personal info. If you suspect identity theft, check your credit report to look for new accounts you did not open and have those accounts deleted. Don't allow those accounts to remain open. And, have the credit bureaus put a 90 day fraud alert on your credit file. That will make it harder for a would be identity theif from stealing your identity. I put more identity theft prevention tips on my Destroy debt blog. Please check it out when you get a minute. Also, share your own identity theft tips.  

Posted on April 7, 2009 at 2:06 pm Good information to keep in mind. I would just add that when you have the credit bureaus place a fraud alert on your credit report it will last for three months, and then ofcourse it may be a good idea to renew it if necessary.If unauthorized accounts have been opened in your name, notifying the credit card companies to close these accounts is essential, and this can normally be achieved by forwarding them a copy of a police report.I would also not share my personal information with family or friends, just in case. One less thing to worry about.

Posted on April 7, 2009 at 2:27 pm Check whether the website is secure enough(whether the site uses SSL,HTTPS protocols) for money transactionUse PayPal account no instead of credit card no.Check whether any unknown application(.exe) is not running behind (press ALT+CRT+DEL to see processes). Make sure key loggers,phishing programs,malwares are not running.Clear the cookies after each complete transaction.