There are many ways thieves can obtain a persons identity information:
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Stealing mail.
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Going through your refuse or public waste disposal sites looking for discarded documents, bills, receipts etc.
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Skimming of credit cards during a purchase or at an ATM machine.
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Stealing information during other crimes such as burglaries, theft of wallets etc.
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Phoning you pretending to perform legitimate surveys or claiming there is a problem with your account.
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Via legitimate businesses of institutions who have your details by bribing employees, hacking or stealing records.
There are many simple ways to help prevent yourself against identity theft:
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Shred mail and other paperwork that contains personal information, including junk mail, before throwing it away. Most office supply shops sell small shredders at a limited cost that are adequate for home use for this purpose.
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Do not carry unnecessary information with you such as Social Security cards. If you have a health plan or other card with this number on ask them to provide you with a card without the number.
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Ensure that any companies that you do have legitimate business with that you opt-out of any information scheme they may have with other businesses.
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Check you bank and credit card statements. Look for any unusual activity, withdrawals etc. Also be aware if you stop getting statements or bills the previously received as this may indicate that a criminal has managed to have you records changes to a different address.
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Obtain credit reports.
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Do not give out personal information without good reason.
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