The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that for the 11th straight year ID Theft is at the top of its list. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 1.34 million consumer complaints during 2010, with ID theft complaints making up 19 percent of the reports.

Definition of Identity theft: Identity theft occurs when your personal identifying information such as: your name, Social Security Number (SSN), credit card number(s) and documents are used without your permission to commit fraudulent transactions or other crimes while creating a phony persona with the criminal intent of financial gain.

Steps for Identity Theft Safeguarding:

Shred all documents containing your personal information

Don’t leave receipts at ATMs or store checkouts

Carry only necessary identification with you and avoid carrying your Social Security card

Never leave a computer in the middle of your online session

When you’re done with an online session, always log off the website

Never give out your passwords; If other people have access to your computer, clear your browser’s cache (this removes copies of recently accessed web pages stored temporarily on your computer)
Read PC World’s article about Safeguarding your computer

The U.S. Government’s Identity Theft website

Useful Information on Identity Theft