1) Look at your driving report:



Aside from identity theft protection, it's not a bad idea to view your driving record once in a while to see if it contains any errors. There shouldn't be anything there that you are not aware of. If something is there, it could be that someone has your drivers license information. This could mean higher insurance along with identity theft. Your insurance company view your record from time to time, shouldn't you?

2) Delete, delete, delete...all personal information from any computer that you plan to discard. Take out the hard drive from the computer that you are going to discard, and take a hammer to it.

3) Reduce The Information Supplied On your Checks:

Your checks pass through many channels and are seen by many people. Limit what's on the front of your checks, use your initials for your first name, and NEVER, NEVER, put your social security number on your checks, even if you are requested to do so.

4) Protect Your Mailbox:

Mail boxes are big targets of identity thieves, because of the personal information inside. Get a new mailbox that can only be open with a key.

5) Your Trash Bin Is A Target Of Identity Thieves, Be Careful What You Throw In It.

Tear up or use scissors with anything that contains private information before discarding into your trash. Identity thieves will look for information in your trash. Even junk mail is a source of information for them, so use caution here.

6) An Identity Theft Protection Program Is A Great Tool:

There are Identity Theft Protection Plans that are a great buy, and a must if you really want to be protected. Plan costs usually range in the $9.95-$12.95 area. Prepaid Legal Offers Identity Theft Shield, offers a credit monitoring service along with restoring your identity (included in program). Lifelock offers a credit monitoring program.

Take action on the tips mentioned here.

Be proactive and use the information you just learned.