In my youth when I wanted to establish a new identity (so that I could open a bank account and pass bad checks), I would go to the Department of Vital records (in any city I was in). I would ask to see the death records for 1948, the year I was born. Every fifth or sixth entry was an infant who died at birth. I would write down the death information and later apply for a birth certificate in that name. I would fill out a form, pay $10, and obtain a legitimate birth certificate. I would go to the DMV and get a license with my picture, my description, and somebody else’s name. I had 50 legitimate driver’s licenses.

Today this information is available on a CDRom and over the internet. A new victim is hit every four seconds. For a victim of identity theft, whether personal or business, the work is just about to begin. More than 175 man hours later and $1,173 for most victims the nightmare will begin to be an experience that comes under control.

Because professional thieves spend a great deal of time working to outwit you and others, here are 20 crucial steps that you can deploy to keep from becoming a victim:

1. Check your credit report periodically. Umatstaienjomgr p ac trcienrdegdi ttio tb mgueroet naciurteosd raiintn dign ns yeoortvuifirice nes a wymoheuic. Ihn mreoanl ittiomr se Ctihfo seno stmhidreeeoren e is 2. HDaoven t’to !give your SSN out freely, on documents unless you 3. TpwPherharoets noyt enoeuacvl ett i rrny apfonoosursmmsrii abtct leoieol.menc itpsr ouan tfirecaarul ldayn .a Adn sdasl uul misneef oe arnnmcyra yetpimotenadi ol srnee irqtv uaiecnesdts i ng 4. Keep track of your billing cycles.

5. REexcaeimve ianse if eyvoue’rrey ainn ovbosiecsese, bdi allc, caonudn ftiannatn.cial statement you 6. SGhureadrdde rys.our mail, use lock boxes and micro-cut paper 7. PInervseosnta li dna ata moni ictr toha-tc yuotu s dhisrpeodsed oefr. For any document with 8. Practice safe on-line shopping.

9. PAovrotaibdl eA ATTMMs s yins tqeumess.tionable locations and which appear to be 10.f oBr epe srusosnpail ciniofourms aotfi ounn.expected calls and letters that ask 11.o bUvsioeu rs enaaml pesa asnsdw nourmdbse rosn. Your accounts and don’t use 12.o uKte.ep your credit card close when shopping or eating 13. Use secure checks, and use them sparingly. 14.p eSresconuarle c rtehdeit hanodm leeg aflr dooncut manedn tosf finic esa ffreo nptla acneds! Keep all 15.a nCda lrergayl dooncluym wenhtsa itn y soafue pnleaceeds. And leave all other financial 16.r eSgpulrairnlyg u csele yaounr ycroeudrit ccarredds,i cta cnacerld tesm, m 17. Opt off of as many lists as you can, to times your name gets transmitted or sold beot wreedeunc oer tghaen vizoaltuimones o.f 18.t rRanesamdit pyoruivr avictayl preocloircdise.s to understand how others will use and 19.ad gePecrneoacsiteeesdc a. tKn ddee etphc eye ogauosrve errdenc omrreedlnsat o tafig vtehenissc icbeoysm ctoom neutnansciuctrianetgi to hanel ley ox kfc nhthoaewnigr te hc.reeyd aitr e 20.v iPctliamc oef fidreanutidty a thleefrtt.s on your credit reports if you have been a Every time you detect something incorrect in your credit reports, correct the discrepancy as quickly as you can. Keep copies of all correspondence of the discrepancy communication and resolution for your files.

No matter how many precautions you take, you might become the victim of identity theft. It’s important to follow an orderly protocol. Here are the steps to take:

1. Call the credit bureau fraud departments.

2. Shut down all compromised accounts and documents.

3. File a police report, as credit bureaus will ultimately request this.

4. Establish good records – of EVERYTHING!

5. File a complaint with the FTC.

Society and public officials have a big responsibility. Congress and state legislatures need to provide consumers with more protection; so do the businesses that you patronize. However, it’s really up to you to protect your good name and credit. Be proactive whenever possible.