Following an earlier WCBI MidMorning with Aundrea ^[1] interview about password safety ^[2], I discussed several ways you can protect yourself from identity theft. This interview aired on the January 18, 2012 edition of this same program.

Identity theft can occur when someone acts in your name as you by having access to your Social Security number and other personal data. With this critical information and access, they can spend your money and ruin your credit rating. You can view this segment below and learn some things you can do now to protect yourself.

 In summary, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft. Here are a few quick suggestions:

• Don’t mail important things from an unsecured mailbox (instead, drop them off at the post office or another secure location).
• Be careful at restaurants where you often hand over your credit card to the waiter.
• Verify the security of online shopping sites before checking out.
• Check out an online retailer’s reputation with the BBBonline and other third-party sources.
• Use a credit card instead of a debit card when buying online. This can provide additional protections to your checking account.
• Regularly check your credit report. Here’s a free way: Go to AnnualCreditReport.com ^[3] each year and get your free credit file disclosure (credit report). In it you’ll receive information from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Do you have any other suggestions? Please share them in the comments box below.

Related Posts:

• Secure Online Shopping Interview on WCBI ^[4]
• Beware of Facebook Name Game Note ^[5]
• 8 Tips to Maximize Your Online Shopping Experience ^[6]