When you get your credit card statements, make sure your name and address are exactly the same on each of the bills. If something is misspelled or missing you should alert your creditors immediately. If somebody you have never heard of calls you at home and says he/she is from a bank, and needs to verify the safety of your account, bite your tongue! It’s likely that person is trying to get your account number for fraudulent purposes. Ask them for their name and supervisor’s name. If it’s a legitimate call then he/she would agree to tell you who and where they are.

You can also stop identity theft by changing your address as soon as you move to a new location. This rule goes for both your business and home, since identity thieves will use your old address to apply for credit cards or accounts, and if your records have not been updated, you may find that you have become responsible for accounts that don’t belong to you.

You know the mailbox outside your front door? Lock it, or arrange to have your bills delivered to a post office. If your mail is stolen it will turn your life into a nightmare since identity thieves will scout residential areas for open mailboxes. If you’re moving, you have to tell your bank right away. As annoying as bills and junk mail might be, you wouldn’t want this to fall into the wrong hands.

Nowadays, just about everyone is at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. In all its forms, it is one of the fastest growing crimes internationally. So it’s important that you learn more about it and the ways to protect yourself, such as taking out identity theft insurance. Learn more about how to protect yourself at Identity Theft Facts.