Identity Theft profoundly affects one in every four people this year. 25% of the population will experience some form of Identity Theft, and how many of them will have the financial resources to correct it, or even the knowledge that their identity has been stolen?

Identity Theft can ruin your credit. It can steal away your career. Identity Theft can make you a criminal. So, what can you do to protect yourself?

Protect Your Identity

Keep track of your wallet
Manage your financial assets in person
Dont give out your financial or identifying information without knowing the person you are giving them to
NEVER sign up for a new service over the phone when they called you
Research all business contacts for quality and identification

Maintain Your Identity

Check your credit reports frequently for errors
Verify numbers on everything
Keep copies of all documents
Immediately report any lost wallets or theft
Shred ALL identifying documents before trashing them

Restore Your Identity

Contact all credit reporting agencies to announce theres a problem
Write letters to correct any issues
Keep copies of all important documents in a safe place
Contact legal authorities immediately when you suspect a problem

There are currently a variety of companies available who offer to protect your identity for you. Many of these are high quality, highly recommended companies with a track record of being reputable. However, as with any service, they are not nearly as affected, as you will be if your Identity is stolen. Protect yourself. Never leave your own personal identity to someone else to protect entirely, it is of far less consequence to them than it is to you if YOU slip through the cracks.