How to avoid the nightmare of identity theft?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) considers identity theft as one of the fastest growing crimes in America. In fact it's so rampant nowadays that 10 million Americans each year fall prey into the hands of crooks who steal their private information such as SSS Numbers, credit card numbers, bank account information and others. When this happens, it's a nightmare come alive, and a nightmare that you can't seem to wake up. So what do you need to avoid identity theft nightmare? Here are just a couple of ways to make sure that you are protected at all times. 1. Take care of your social security number- Be careful to make sure that you keep your social security number in a safe place. Never write it down on a piece of parry or carry it in your wallet everywhere you go. Never give it out to anyone - not to a trusted friend, a relative or even a family member. Although some work place and companies, hospitals or any other organizations require you to yield out your SSS Number, think twice before giving it. You never know if it falls into the wrong hands. 2. Take care of your mail box and your letters- One of the keys to avoid identity theft nightmare is to make sure that all unsolicited offers go down the drain. When you do receive such offers in the mail, make sure that you shred them first before throwing them in the trash can since criminals would want to search your garbage for clues to your personal and private information. When you go out for a vacation cancel mail delivery as this may be an avenue for crooks to use. When you do send checks to your credit card company, write the only last four digits of your SSS Number. Your credit card company has all the information they need. 3. Take care of your garbage- Make sure that when you throw letters, bank receipts or any other personal information in the trash, these are already shredded and done with. Be sure to destroy these pieces of information first. Criminals can sort through your trash in order to steal any personal information. 4. Be careful of the Telephone- Never, ever give out personal information over the telephone, especially those people soliciting in exchange for the promise of a high-end vacation or any other goods. It's as simple as just hanging the phone up. 5. Take care of your computer- Many people can steal your personal and private information with just a click of the mouse - all without you knowing it. In order for them not to penetrate your computer, you need to change your passwords often. You can also search the internet for your name and write the four last digits of your SSS Number. You never know what might surprise you on the internet when you do this. 6. Talk to the authorities- When you find out that there is a suspicious activity in your credit reports, talk to your credit card company or you can also contact the authorities.