Identity theft is becoming a major problem but by being aware and taking some preventative measures, you may be able to avoid becoming a victim. There are numerous things that you can do to help prevent identity theft. The first is to check your credit reports annually.
It's a good idea to keep track of your credit rating anyway, but it may also let you know if there is something going on in your name that you aren't aware of. You can obtain one free repost a year an if you've already been a victim, you may be able to get others.
Being aware of the bills that your name is on is crucial. You must keep all identification and personal information private as well. You should be aware of how any information may be used.
Shredding private papers before throwing them out as well as letting the Post Office know to hold your mail while on vacation are also two solutions to avoiding identity theft.
Make any account passwords difficult to guess and different for each account. You can make identity theft more challenging by changing passwords regularly and by using upper and lower case as well as letter and number combinations. Memorize your social security number rather that carrying it around with you and make sure it's provided to legitimate businesses only.
Help for Online Identity Theft
Online identity theft is becoming more and more common so it's important to explore solutions for this as well. It's important to protect yourself if you do online transactions. Antivirus software should be installed and updated regularly and you need to let it run frequent checks. Do not download or use a link that has been sent to you unless it is from someone you know.
A firewall will protect your computer from people looking to steal your identity and a secure browser will protect any online transactions. These are some of the ideas to prevent identity theft online. Everyone needs to be aware of the different types and how they can keep their identity safe.

How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
While there is no guaranteed way to stop identity theft, there is however 10 steps you can take to minimize your risk. Everyday there are more cases of identity theft reported, many of them could have been avoided by following these simple steps.
1. Shred everything! Do not discard anything that has personal information. This includes your utility bills, offers for credit in the mail and any type of financial statements you receive. Don't forget medical bills and records. These statements have a lot of personal information on them that can be used to assume your identity.
2. Never write your pin numbers on the back of your credit/debit cards. Also, carry your cards separately from your drivers license in your wallet/ purse.
3. Only complete financial transactions online with companies that have secure servers. https: or http.secure// is how you can tell if the server is safe.
4. Never disclose personal information over the telephone to anyone, regardless of how harmless it may seem. If you are being asked to verify personal information by a bill collector ask them to mail or fax you a form so you can confirm the info.
5. Change passwords on accounts at different intervals.
6. Never respond to financial emails unless you initiated the contact. Many times "real" looking emails come to your inbox but it is someone trying to gain access to your accounts.
7. Never carry your social security card with you. In the event that your wallet or purse is stolen, this opens many id theft opportunities.
8. Report all stolen credit cards or forms of identity to the issuing companies and the police. It is imperative that you obtain a police report incase you need to dispute charges or false accounts.
9. Regularly review your credit report. Your credit report can be your number one tool in fighting identity theft
10. Watch your mail. Report opened mail to the Post Office. Any signs of tampering can lead to identity theft.