Links for further information:

• Someone may be watching you through your computer! "Spyware Audit" link at bottom of this page not recommended - sales pitch!
• Internet Fraud - US Gov Sources (see bottom half of page! Also...Note the "email me if this page changes" button)
• Internet Crime Prevention Tips and Reporting.
• Internet Safety Tips and Email Scams - Canadian Source

Identity Theft Checkpoints

1. Ensure websites are secure prior to submitting your credit card number.
2. Do your homework to ensure the business or website is legitimate.
3. Attempt to obtain a physical address, rather than a P.O. box or maildrop.
4. Never throw away credit card or bank statements in usable form.
5. Be aware of missed bills which could indicate your account has been taken over.
6. Be cautious of scams requiring you to provide your personal information.
7. Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you make the call.
8. Monitor your credit statements monthly for any fraudulent activity.
9. Report unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
10. Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.

Warning - This is good information but is also an 'industry' sales pitch!

Whether insured or not against identity theft, victims are usually not held responsible for fraudulent credit card charges incurred by identity thieves and overall the chances of becoming a victim are minimal - for now at least.

1 percent of adults overall fall victim to identify theft in the U.S. today, but according to a recent study, unauthorized access to checking accounts is the fastest growing form of identity theft. An estimated 2 million U.S. adult Internet users fell victim last year, and electronic fraud is expected to grow as phishing e-mails become more sophisticated in attempting to make off with your savings account.

A 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy & Research and the Better Business Bureau found that most victims of identify theft spent an average 28 hours trying to correct the damage to their credit records.

Add to that the out-of-pockets expenses for legal bills, notary fees, copying charges, phone calls and lost wages - and the cost of identify theft rises to an average $750 per victim.

If you think the odds are high enough to warrant an identity theft policy, the costs are minimal. For $15,000 to $25,000 of coverage, a majority of insurance companies charge an annual premium of $25. Some of the major carriers, like Travelers who first offered consumers identity theft insurance in 1999, now offers an expanded program that provides the services of a consumer fraud specialist who can help reclaim your identity.

On the Web, find out more about the pros and cons of identity theft insurance and what it covers, along with tips on buying a policy, expert advice on recovering your identity, and additional steps you can take to protect your good name and your good credit rating before you lose it...