Identify Theft rampant:

[StClone]

I have had three people close to me have their IDs taken in the last two weeks. Today my boss had his bank accounts drained, my co-worker had his credit card maxed and a friend saw her credit card basically circulated across North America. I am not an expert and would like input from others on how to prevent the theft and resulting nightmare.

Here is a Gov. site: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

[TomInTib]

1. Stay away from unsecured wireless.

We spent Thanksgiving in Baja.

Wi-Fi, etc.

Our accounts have been bombarded. We had to change every account number we had accessed from Mexico.

Screw cyber-cafes, too.

[StClone]

2. My Friend thinks her's was taken

At a restaurant in NY where the number may have been lifted. Your experience with unsecured wireless is certainly personal and valid.

[spindrifter]

3. Shred everything with your name and address on it.

Do this especially if you have paper recycling in your neighborhood. Meth heads steal mail and garbage and have sophisticated members of their crime circles who can create "new" credit cards with your carelessly-left-ready-to-steal info. Have your new checks delivered to your bank, not your home, unless you are always around to pick up your mail.