Somebody would love to take out a loan in your name, charge a vacation to your, even mortgage your home. Here's how to stop them.
Guard your social security number with your life. Question anyone who asks for it. If your health insurance company uses it for your ID, request a random # instead.
Fight viruses and spies. Guard your home computer by installing software that includes virus protection, anti spy ware, and a firewall that updates automatically.
Do not bail out the prince of Nigeria. He's not in jail and you won't be lavishly rewarded for your assistance. Any lottery offers, invitations to earn millions from working from home or strangers tales of woe that land in your email box should be deleted.
Don't get attached. An incoming email attachment could install spy ware on your computer. Never open attachments from unfamiliar senders.
Don't give credit where credit's not due. Check your credit report at least once a year (it's free) at annual credit report.com.
Never use a password for a password. If you do a lot of banking and bill paying online, use different passwords for each account and change them every 90 days.
Take action. If you think you've been a victim of identity theft, go to oprah.com/idtheft. Follow the instructions on how to report.
**From O Magazine, 9/06 pg 74
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