by Paul Wilcox

Identity theft is becoming increasingly common, and protecting yourself is important. One way to keep your identity safe is to get an unpublished phone number. This is often overlooked but phone companies sell customer information including name, address, and calling records to anyone who will pay for it.

This can put you at risk of having your identity stolen because the more places your personal information is stored, the greater the chance of it being ripped off.

Using a post office box is another option. By having your bills and statements sent to a post office box, you'll be safer from criminals who steal these things out of people's mailboxes. It can also keep you safer from people who want to connect your name and address by researching your utility bills. A post office box will help shield your physical address.

While you're at the post office, always mail bills and other letters containing checks and personal information from the post office. This will eliminate the chance that your personal information will be stolen out of your mailbox.

Identity theft of this kind is common but also easily prevented if you make sure you never put items containing personal information in your mail box.

Don't ever put your phone number, social security number or any other private data on your checks. Your name and address (your PO box address, remember?) should be all that is printed on them. Some stores ask you for this information but it isn't required if you show them the proper identification. Many businesses are using electronic check verification now anyway so don't ever give out your personal information.

Safeguarding your social security number is especially important to prevent identity theft. Even if companies request it (except companies running a credit check) don't give it. The fewer number of companies that have access to your social security number, the less chance it will be stolen.

When applying for a job, don't give your social security number until and unless you are hired. Gaining access to social security numbers stored in files is a common way of identity theft as well so make sure only companies that are secure and don't share customer information have access to your number.

About the Author:
Is your internet security really doing its job? Don't just blindly rely on some software package to protect you. Find out what you really need to know to keep yourself safe online at the Security Manor website. Visit http://www.securitymanor.com for more helpful information.

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