Identity theft has become a big headache for a lot of people. It is spotlighted often on the news and shows like Dateline Mere thought of Identity theft causes alarm bells to ring in many a mind and can result in giving you a lot of unwanted emotional hardship and financial woes.

Identity theft happens in many different ways from misuse of your social security number, checks, credit cards, drivers license and so on.

Luckily, there are many easy tips you can use to prevent misuse of your identity. By no means will they be completely effective. But they can make you less likely to be a random victim.

Documents are the biggest problem for most people. From bank statements to medical bills, you get mail constantly that is full of your personal information.

Paper less world is still a distant reality even with all the technological progress made by us.

Until then, you have to ensure that all such stuff is destroyed by shredding. This can be a daunting task to do by hand so an electric shredder is the best way to go. A little common sense and knowledge can go a long way in protecting you from identity theft.

The shredded paper is great for rodent bedding if you have children with small pets or want a pet.

In addition to documents, there are many things that should be common knowledge but can be overlooked. It is advisable not to keep your checkbook, birth certificate, or social security card in your wallet or purse.

Checks are absolutely horrible.

Simply because so much personal information is disclosed on a check,like bank account number and routing number, and as if it was not sufficient, I have found some people to be in the habit of noting their social security number on the check as well!! Refrain from doing such silly things.
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