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  From hackers entering your computer to a stolen wallet, identity theft can occur at home, work and every time you leave your residence. Identity thieves use personal information, such as Social Security and credit card numbers, to commit fraud and other crimes. According to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), as many as nine million Americans suffer the effects of a stolen identity with the most common offenses including fraud (credit card, phone services and utilities), unauthorized bank withdrawals, counterfeit checking and illegal government identification.
  
  

Computer Safety

• Installing a firewall and virus protection on computers can block hackers from stealing your personal information and financial data stored on the hard drive. Updating virus protection programs prevents worms and other intrusions from instructing your computer to send files and other stored information to remote locations. Avoid file-sharing and file-swapping programs, which tend to expose computers to hackers and identity thieves.
  
  

Protect Social Security Numbers

• Lost or stolen Social Security numbers landing in the hands of a complete stranger means your identification can be used to his advantage. Treat your Social Security number like gold and only reveal your digits if an employer, financial institution and/or doctor needs it for tax reporting or identification purposes. Do not carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet, and avoid sharing it on the Internet.
  
  

Locks and Alarms

• Business owners often protect personal information stored on computers by installing alarm systems and choosing a security company to monitor their company. Place deadbolts on external doors and outfit windows with screens, security film or shatterproof glass. At home, protect personal data hidden in filing cabinets by selecting storage that requires a key, code or combination to open.
  
  

Post Office Services

• During vacations and extended time away from home, leaving your bills and letters to pile up in the mailbox is an open invitation for identity thieves. Have your mail held at the post office or ask a relative or friend that you trust to collect your correspondences. Post office boxes also come in handy for protecting your identity---safeguarding financial statements, bills and preventing theft of new check orders.
  
  

Buy a Shredder

• Dumpster diving is a common practice for identity thieves, who search for unwanted credit card offers, old bank statements, business records and any paperwork offering identifying information. Office supply stores offer a wide range of shredders for small offices, home businesses and personal use. Shred anything that bears your name and address.
  
  

Be Phone Cautious

• Identity thieves master the art of impersonating government agencies, credit card representatives, health insurance providers, and even law enforcement. Positively confirming the identity of a caller is a must when disclosing personal information, such as bank account numbers. Never reveal your Social Security number over the telephone unless you have dialed a reliable company or financial institution.
  
  

Smart Online Shopping

• With the promise of convenience, the Internet has become an important resource for shoppers looking for the best deals. However, placing an online order means disclosing your credit card numbers and checking account information, which leaves you at risk for identity theft. Do business with companies that offer a secure site that encrypts your personal information---making it difficult for hackers to intercept.
  
  

Keep Personal Information Quiet

• Common in banking and retail, employees and sales associates may ask you to verify personal information. Do not repeat your phone number, address, Social Security number and/or account numbers out loud. Instead, verify personal information by writing it on a piece of paper that you immediately destroy.
  
  

Check Credit Reports

• Prevent identity theft by knowing the status of your credit report. At least once a year, contact the three major credit-reporting bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) to correct errors. Identity theft red flags found on credit reports include incorrect home and mailing addresses, faulty student loans, defaulted car loans, unexplainable utility accounts and unpaid credit cards.
  
  

Create Tricky Passwords

• Using easy-to-pinpoint passwords makes you a target for identity theft. Avoid using your birth date, house number or the last four digits of your Social Security number when creating ATM passwords. Don't use your last name (or the names of your pets and children) and other known favorites for your computer password. Prevent identity theft by combining upper- and lower-case letters with numbers.