Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Victims come from all walks of life, from everyday people to celebrities like Tiger Woods and Rosie O’Donnell.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, which operates a nationwide identity theft hotline, there were 43,839 reported victims in California in 2004. California, with 122 victims per 100,000 population, ranked third in the nation behind Nevada and Arizona.

What is identity theft? Identity theft” means the unauthorized use of another person’s personally identifiable information to obtain credit, goods, services, money, or property.

Identity theft occurs when someone gains access to another person’s personal information, such as a driver’s license number, social security number, bank account or credit card numbers, and uses it to commit fraud or theft. An impostor can use her identity to open fraudulent credit accounts, get car and home loans, or steal money from her bank accounts.

Protect yourself and all of your “Personally Identifiable Information” such as your name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, social security number, place of employment, employee identification number, mother’s maiden name, deposit account number, savings account number, or credit card numbers.

Shred anything with this information on it. Recycling your personally identifiable information is dangerous. Dumpster diving has become the primary method for criminals to obtain sensitive information to commit identity theft and corporate vandalism. Information casually discarded has resulted in a crime spree.

Every home should have a shredder, but if you need to shred large volumes of documents, contact: DOCUMENT SHREDDING SERVICE, Paula Brown: 831-476-3059, 831-566-0219

In your residence, eliminate as much spam as possible, including blanket credit card and mortgage offers, by removing your name from mailing and phone lists. Write to:

Direct Marketing Association

Mail Preference Association

post office box 9008

Farmingdale, New York 11735