Protecting your identity from theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This information is usually gained by deception of some sort: hacking computer records, phishing, stealing or hijacking your mail and using your identity for their own benefit. They might use your credit card or get a card issued to them, counterfeit checks, get a job using your information, and so on. Even your children are vulnerable. Social security numbers are critical to estalbishing a new identity.

Prevention is your best defense and there are steps you can take to minimize your risk and the Federal Trade Commission has a website which provides detailed information on how to protect yourself and repair the damage if you discover you're a victim.

You can also help protect your children. One aspect of our seminar on MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, and other social networking sites is about creating vulnerability by revealing specific personal information on social networks.