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Identity theft is growing online and off. In fact, there are many types of identity theft. The most misused types are:

' The fraudulent use of someone else's credit card
' The fraudulent use of someone else's bank account
' The fraudulent use of identity resulting bills in another person's name
' The fraudulent use of identity for working in another person's name.

The Victims of identity theft often end up facing the consequences of above which may include facing any unlawful activity committed by the identity thief while he or she was working under the victim's name, rendering the victim responsible for repaying the money because of misuse of the credit card.

Everybody should follow some direction for protection against identity theft. You can choose to follow these directions yourself or you can rely on professional service:

1. First step is to identify the different types of identity theft. Once these types are identified you can study how they can occur in your case.

2. Identity theft early. Early you identify less you will be affected & easily you can recover from the effect.

3. Check your credit ratings regularly and spot your bills for any unusual activity.

4. Carry around important documentation and numbers only in case it is must. Do not carry important documents while traveling unless it is must. Keep important information safe by locking them in home.

5. In case of loss of purse or wallet inform all financial institutions you have account with.

6. Never give your personal information. Know who is entitled to ask you social security number, account number etc.

7. In many cases of identity theft the thief comes out to be victim's relative or friend. Keep this in mind when you entrust your identity details to your relative or friend.

8. Shred the personal details & do not throw it to trash without shredding.

9. Never write/print social security or driver's license number on a check book or any other piece of paper. Best way is to memorize the numbers.

10. Never entertain unsolicited email or telephone call asking your personal information. Identify the legitimacy of caller or email sender before giving away any details.

11. For protection of online identity theft:

a. Always keep the computer protected from viruses by installing anti-virus & anti spy program.

b. Update the signatures of anti-virus & anti-spy program form time to time.

c. Do not use password which is easier to guess e.g. your spouse or kids name.

d. Change passwords frequently

e. Use combination of upper & lower case letters, numeric as password.

f. Before entering bank or credit card information, verify that the website is authentic & secure (website address starts with https)

These tips can help you and your loved ones with protection against identity theft. Email them and print them out and pass them around to your family and friends today. And learn more so you can get safe and stay safer on the web today by bookmarking and subscribing to popular themed blogs on this topic to keep up with the times.