Here are 6 rock solid ways for secure ID theft protection…

• It may be difficult but have a cautious eye; be wary of anyone (family members, friends or caregivers) who starts to ask for small loans, gives you a story of hard times, a tale of financial hardship, or being the victim of crime. It can be distasteful to be suspicious of someone who seems genuinely in need but don’t be suckered by a sob story that a criminal might use, they’re playing on your emotions simply in an attempt to find out your identifying information or gain access to your financial capabilities.

• Always keep personal or identifying information locked in a safe, away from visitors calling at home. Medicare statements and credit card statements, bank statements, and many other personal documents can offer a mountain of identifying information. Since identity theft often is opportunist, coming across such information may be too tempting even for people you trust.

• Organize your mail delivery to be sent to a Post Office box rather than your home address or request an arrangement be made with the Postal Service to get it delivered directly to the doorstep. Make it part of your routine to take any of your outgoing mail to a Post Office. Never let it lie in a curb-side mail box.

• Always shred or burn documents containing any personal information to protect yourself from identity theft.

• Dismiss direct mail credit offers; don’t just trash them as nuisance junk, ID thieves trawl trash for all that lovely personal information. Contact the OPTOUT line at the Federal Trade Commission on: 1-888-567-8688.

• Never carry a social security card with you, whether in a wallet or a purse (that could easily be stolen) unless it is absolutely essential to provide it. Instead, memorize the number form the card you keep safely locked away.

Practice ALL those 13 tips for ID theft protection and you can be secure in knowing that your identity is very well protected.

Read 8 more ways for effective ID Theft Protection  >>