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Here are a few ways identity thieves can get your social security number, your credit card numbers, your login names and passwords, and other sensitive information:

1. They Can Steal Your Wallet or Purse: This one is the simplest way for thieves to get your personal information. Health clubs are a big hunting ground for wallet thieves. Make sure you put a padlock on your day locker. Also, be wary of pick pockets in public places. Consider carrying your wallet in your front pocket. Or consider wrapping the strap of your purse around you more firmly.

2 They Can Buy Your Information From “Inside” Sources: We’ve all wondered what that sketchy looking waiter was doing with our credit card as he disappeared around the corner. Most of the time they’re honest, but the most dangerous of them are in league with credit card stealing rings. A contact will collect credit card numbers from a waiter or clerk, and sell them to a bigger international credit card ring.

3. They Can Rummage Through Your Trash: Identity thieves are not above a little dumpster diving. It can pay off big for them. If they find pre-approved credit cards, they might be able to get a card in your name. If they find copies of your tax return, or your bank statement, they can cause all kinds of problems.

4. They Can Become Your False Friend On Your Favorite Forums: Fraudsters can be really tricky, and really mean. Men will pose as women who lure unsuspecting men into “relationships” and then con them into sending them all kinds of gifts. Or they’ll set up a business opportunity, and they’ll let you in on it because you’re their “friend”. Be very careful, because that’s not all. Meet with the wrong person you met online and you could wind up losing more than your identity.

5. They Could Steal Your Phone: They don’t even need to steal your phone for long. They could just “borrow” your phone to “call their dying mother” request a couple minutes of “privacy”, and have all the room they need to find whatever there is to find on your phone. At the least they could use your address to feed your friend’s phone numbers into their phone spam ring, and your friends will suddenly see an increase in unwanted dinnertime calls.

6. Phone Phishing: They could pose as someone “official” on the phone. Susie: “Hi. This is Susie from ‘Your Favorite Bank’, and I’m seeing some suspicious activity here. Did you recently change your address?” You: “Er, yeah.” Susie: “Can I get the updated information from you?” You: “Sure.” Susie: “OK, I’m going to need your social security number, to verify your account, and then I’m going to need the new address . . .” You get the point.

So what can you do about identity theft? Well, you can’t get completely protected, but you can get insured through various identity theft protection services. Check them out. They’re very inexpensive compared to the peace of mind they bring. Jim Stone advises individuals about how increase the security in six areas of their lives. Get Educated About How To Secure Your Identity at SixFoldSecurity.com

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