Has anyone here been victim of identity theft?

I don’t always check my credit card statements as carefully as I should. Has anyone here been victim of identity theft? What can I do to make sure no one steals my identity?

I've never been a victim of identity theft per se, but I'd suggest you make sure you don't lose your wallet, shop only with merchants you trust, and tear up or shred any credit card, loan, or similar offers you get in the mail.

Also, monitor your credit report, I signed up for a service through my bank for a year, it cost me about 100 or so, but the peace of mind was well worth it. I know if any company has requested my credit report, etc, and all sorts of other stats.

Most of the time identity theft happens from retail local establishments, as I understand it, which is ironic, given the one time somebody fraudelently charged my debit card, it happened to dozens of people at the bank I was at, and the teller had the nerve to tell me it was probably internet related. I still don't know how they got my debit card number to use, but from the fact that it happened to 20+ people at the bank I used, I have a strong suspicion it was related to the people at that bank, and perhaps a new employee or something.

I've never been a victim of identity theft per se, but I'd suggest you make sure you don't lose your wallet, shop only with merchants you trust, and tear up or shred any credit card, loan, or similar offers you get in the mail.

Also, monitor your credit report, I signed up for a service through my bank for a year, it cost me about 100 or so, but the peace of mind was well worth it. I know if any company has requested my credit report, etc, and all sorts of other stats.

Most of the time identity theft happens from retail local establishments, as I understand it, which is ironic, given the one time somebody fraudelently charged my debit card, it happened to dozens of people at the bank I was at, and the teller had the nerve to tell me it was probably internet related. I still don't know how they got my debit card number to use, but from the fact that it happened to 20+ people at the bank I used, I have a strong suspicion it was related to the people at that bank, and perhaps a new employee or something.

There is nothing you can do to be sure your ID won't be stolen. It may already have been, but you just don't know it yet. There are many precautions you can and should take which are too many to go into here.
The most convenient inexpensive, and effective thing to do is to use the service I have been using for more than 3 years now.
When someone took over my bank account 2 years ago, I got the whole situation resolved in 2 days because I have this service.
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There are many things you can do to try to protect your identity. Be vigilant about checking your credit card statements as well as your utility statements. Don't leave your mail in your mail box overnight. Take your mail to the post office or drop it in a US mail box. Shred everything that has any personal information on it with a cross cut shredder. Don't ever give anyone your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are asked for it question why it is needed.

I've never been a victim, but nothing you do can keep your identity from being stolen. Enroll in Pre-Paid Legal Services and add the Identity Theft Shield membership for the total protection package. You'll sleep much better. See our website at http://www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/wmfinancial. Email me with any questions you have.