The Common Law

The best way to minimize your chance of becoming a victim of identity theft is to limit the amount of sensitive information you disclose to third parties. For example, be protective of your Social Security number and only provide it when required by law. Online purchases that require your credit card information should also be avoided unless you are on a secure server. A secure server typically has an icon of a closed lock or key at the bottom of the screen or an "s" after the "http" Web address.

It is also important to limit the amount of personal information you carry in your wallet or purse in case it is stolen. Memorize all PIN numbers or passwords, keep your financial information in one secure location in your home, and shred any sensitive information that you throw away.

Be on the lookout for any warning signs of identity theft including being denied a loan or credit card, receiving bills from a credit card you never opened, and not receiving your bank or credit billing statements on time. It is a good idea to order a copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and review your Social Security statement that you receive in the mail (if you are more than 25 years of age) for inaccuracies. Even if you have not been the victim of identity theft, you can set up a security alert at the credit bureaus for up to 90 days. This alert instructs creditors to contact you by phone before processing any credit request.

You can also remove your financial information from corporate marketing and billing databases for up to five years at www.the-dma.org and remove your name from the marketing lists of the credit bureaus by calling 888-5OPT-OUT.

The Texas attorney general's Web site, www.oag.state.tx.us, also contains good information on identity theft. Remember, it can take years to clear your credit history once your personal information is stolen – so be sure to protect yourself!