By Jim McCafferty
The fastest growing crime in the United States is identity theft, according to the FBI, and everyone with a social security number, a driver’s license or a computer is vulnerable.

Unlike a stolen wallet that you realize is missing when you reach for it, identity theft can be stealth-like and financially ruinous.
Picture this. 

The holiday season ends, bills start pouring in, and when checking your credit card bill for the golf clubs you bought Bob, the iPod you bought Tommy, and the Louis Vuitton purse you bought Sarah, you see several purchases you don’t recognize. A quick glance at the bottom line shows your credit card has been completely depleted of its available balance and has an overage of $500.

You have a sudden, sinking suspicion that is quickly confirmed - you are a victim of identity theft.

Identity theft scams are on the rise and it is not just the elderly who fall victim.  The criminals who want the information necessary to assume your identity will go to any length to get it- some by stealing mail, some by using internet pop-ups, and some get it from the most reliable source- YOU.  Many identity theft situations can be traced back to the victim giving out their own information over the phone.

The results can be horrifying.  Your previously well protected credit score can be ruined, leading to further financial troubles in the future.
Here are some suggestions on how to protect yourself from identity theft:

• Protect your Social Security Number.  Do not carry your social security card in your wallet and do not print your driver’s license or social security number on your checks.
• Protect your passwords.  Do not share them with others or write them down.  Be sure to have a different password for each account and do not make the passwords something obvious like date of birth or your mother’s maiden name.
• Protect your mail.  Do not leave incoming or outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox easily accessible to criminals.
• Review your credit reports annually.  Execute a Security Freeze to stop criminals from getting new credit in your name.
• Annually check your earnings statement from the Social Security Administration.  Make sure that you’ve been given credit for all the money you’ve earned this year.
• Periodically check your 401k account.  Make sure no has cashed out or rolled over any of your balance.
• Put a fraud alert on your credit reports.  A fraud alert tells companies that they should call you to verify your identity whenever they check your credit report with the intention of opening an account in your name or making any changes to an existing one.  Put a fraud alert on your credit reports at all three credit bureaus—Equifax (800-525-6285), Experian (888-397-3742) and TransUnion (800-680-7289).
• Opt out of pre-approved credit offers.  To put a stop to pre-approved offers for credit-the majority of which are generated by lenders using information from major credit bureaus and consumer credit information provider Innovis—call the Automated Credit Reporting  Industry (888-567-8688).
• Know the scams.  Never give out personal information over the phone unless you are certain of who is on the other end.  Visit www.noscamnc.gov  for more information.
• Transfer the Risk.  Sometimes even taking the proper steps to protecting yourself does not always prevent someone from stealing your information.  Identity Theft insurance can be purchased from your credit card vendors or through your insurance agent and can help to pay for restoring your personal identity information and reinstating correct credit report information.  Please note when purchasing Identity Theft Insurance through a credit card vendor, the coverage is usually limited to activity on that specific credit card.  The Identity Theft Coverage Endorsement to your homeowners policy gives you much broader coverage.  Contact your agent, or AAA Insurance at 1-877-776-6222 to learn more about Identify Theft Coverage Endorsement.