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Identity theft occurs when someone obtains pieces of your personal information, such as your driver’s license number and social security number, and uses them to impersonate you.  They may create credit accounts in your name, obtain employment in your name, or even apply for a mortgage in your name!

In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission conducted a survey on Identity Theft.  Their survey suggested that nearly 10 million Americans were affected by identity theft during the previous year!  That’s a LOT of people!  (Understatement?  Possibly.)

Every day, we conduct transactions that require us to give out our personal information.  We eat at restaurants and pay with a credit card.  We write a check to the grocery store.  We use our cell phones.  We apply for new credit.  We fill out surveys.  Just normal average everyday things…all requiring our personal information to be shared.  Each of these puts you at risk.

Identity thieves will stop at nothing to get your information.

Before I go further… Do NOT panic!

Identity theft is indeed scary, because it seems so easily done.  This is NOT cause to panic!  Just be cautious and use some common sense when it comes to your personal information. 

This does not mean that you should completely avoid ever giving out your name or that you can never write another check or pay by credit card again.  DO NOT begin burning all your trash (especially if you live in the city, as cities seem to frown on such things). 

You can actually: introduce yourself to people, eat out at restaurants, buy goods, and use the internet.  This may sound silly, but I know of people who are so totally paranoid when it comes to ID Theft that they’ve thrown common sense out the window.

What you should do: be cautious, be prudent, and use common sense. 

Follow these tips to help protect yourself from Identity Theft: