Do you fear of having your identity stolen. You are not alone and you may have good reason to have such a fear. Some 40,000 consumers each year are victims of this crime, which is a serious type of fraud.

All a thief needs is your name, address and driver’s license to apply for credit, utilities, bank accounts, mortgages, even jobs in your name. Some people don’t find out that their identity has been stolen until months after it has happened.

Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of identify theft:

1. Check your credit report at least once a year. Investigate if you find accounts that are not yours.
2. Shred any credit card applications, bank or billing statements, and any other sensitive documents.
3. If you don’t get a bill for one of your credit cards in any given month, call the issuer immediately.
4. Avoid giving out your social security number unless it’s necessary (work or bank).
5. Save your ATM and credit card receipts, check them against your statements and then shred them.
6. Do not give any information to callers stating their your bank, or any other people seeking your information no matter how enticing their offer may be. Even if they state to have a web site or their name shows on your caller id.

If you are a victim of identity theft, act quickly:

1. If your wallet or purse with your identification is stolen, notify the credit reporting agencies and bank. They can issue a fraud alert for your file, which can help prevent additional credit accounts from being opened without your permission.
2. Initiate a police report. Be persistent, even if the police don’t seem interested in your situation.
3. Keep careful written records of everyone you speak with, and use registered mail when sending important correspondence.