Published on 10/28/2008

The majority of consumers have fears about identity theft. Learn how to freeze credit reports and get your annual free credit report copy to check for ID fraud.

Take Steps to Prevent Identity Theft and Credit Fraud

As the credit crisis and the troubled economy escalate, so do worries about identity theft and fraud. Maybe the rising fear is because over half of consumers surveyed either have been; or know someone who has been, a victim of ID theft or fraud.

Over three-fourths claimed they check their credit card and checking account statements regularly for signs of fraud. Consumers can also take other measures to protect their personal finance and identities. Including these free tips:

Use a paper shredder to ensure personal information and preapproved credit offers don't end up in the wrong hands.
Don't carry extra credit cards, your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport with you unless needed.
When you order new checks, don't have them sent to your home. Pick them up at the bank instead. Stolen checks can be altered and may be cashed by fraudsters.
Check your credit report frequently to ensure accuracy. Consider a subscription credit monitoring service with a report locking feature to control when, or if, creditors can access your report and to receive email alerts when critical changes occur.
Never divulge personal information over the phone unless you are the one who initiated the call and you're certain of the identity of the phone number you dialed. Identity thieves may call you; or leave a message for you to call them, and pose as banks or government agencies to steal your personal information.
Follow your billing cycles closely. A missing credit card or other bill could mean an identity thief has changed your billing address.

Read more tips and advice on identity theft and fraud protection