Identity thieves have more tricks than ever. So should you. This is from Sid Kirchheimer in AARP The Magazine:
Lighten Your Wallet
The most frequent source of information for ID thieves is you. [A]mong victims who knew how their numbers were pilfered, 30 percent of frauds began with a lost or stolen wallet, checkbook or credit card. So rule number one is "leave home without it." Don’t carry a crib sheet with PIN codes for your plastic; don’t carry your Social Security card. And that check you tote everywhere, "just in case" is a needless risk.
Lock ‘Em Up
One in seven cases of ID theft traced to a source turns up a family member or other trusted associate the victim shouldn’t have trusted. So it’s no use leaving things home if they’re vulnerable there, too. Your checkbook, cards and any important papers (mortgage, insurance, investment records) should be under lock and key. A locking metal file cabinet or desk drawer may be the answer.
