Against Identity Theft

How can we protect ourselves against identity theft? Given all the attention that identity theft has been getting from the mainstream media, I thought I’d spend a little time talking about steps that you can take to protect yourself against identity theft. Yes, it’s mostly just common sense, but we can all use a reminder now and then. Please feel free to pitch in with your own ideas… Use strong (and unique) passwords: Use different passwords for every account, and avoid using easily available information such as your mother’s maiden name, your birthday, part of your social security number, your phone number, your street address, a series of consecutive numbers, etc.
You should also make your passwords lengthy — 8 characters’ minimum, even better

if it’s 12+. And be sure to combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Using letters and/or numbers only makes it easier to break, and thus you need to make it even longer if you choose to do so. If you’re curious about what makes for a good password, check out one of these password checkers: Microsoft or Surveillance-Video (there are many others). And don’t write your passwords down! Yes, they’re hard to remember. That’s why I use a password encryption program to store everything on my PowerBook. Secure your personal information: Keep sensitive information away from prying eyes (roommates, service people, potential buyers when selling a home, etc.). Lock up financial statements and other sensitive documents in a filing cabinet, drop off outgoing mail that contains sensitive info in a secure USPS mailbox, and be sure to pick up your mail promptly. Opt out of everything that you can and, when travelling, have your mail held until you return. Shred your credit card receipts, all credit offers (tearing them up doesn’t necessarily work), insurance paperwork, bank statements, etc.
Think carefully before writing a paper check to unknown individuals, don’t include unnecessary information on your checks, and take care when ordering new checks