Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission received about 86,000 consumer complaints regarding identity theft in 2004, by far the largest category (43%) of consumer complaint recorded. This represents a 500% growth rate in the past three years. New federal laws can help protect personal data, but there are other steps not covered by these laws that you can take to protect your records.

• The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

• When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.  

• Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box use your work address.

• Never have your SS# printed on your checks -- you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

•  Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Include a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad.

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc. In case this happens to you or someone you know:

• Cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

• Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. The numbers are : Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271.

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/business/technology/11835020.htm

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5733971.html

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/227387_citiloss07.html