Often the best method for tackling a problem is to grasp onto several principles to put into place which will help you make 
headway on a given subject. Such is the case with Identity theft. There are so many ways that thieves are trying to get to your hard-earned money that it boggles the mind. But if you can implement the suggestions below, it will help insulate your money from becoming siphoned off by identity thieves.
Do Not Engage in Risky Activities. There are two different views of this suggestion. The first is to refuse to use your credit cards or online accounts to pay for anything online. Do all of your banking the old-fashioned way of writing out checks manually and paying bills via U.S. Postal service. This method has a very high assurance of protecting yourself from becoming a victim.
The next way to implement this suggestion is to be very careful of the financial activities that you do perform online. One strategy is to use just ONE credit card for online purchases. Then, make sure that the credit line is just enough to serve your purposes. Having a high rate allows thieves to run wild with your card in unlawful purchases.
Use a Different Account for Online Financial Transactions. Your main bank account or other financial accounts should be protected from being used online as much as possible. An effective way of doing this is by opening a second checking or savings account at your local bank branch. This will allow you to transfer money from one account to another with a simple phone call or change on your Internet banking site.
Keep only a small amount of money in the second account just to keep it opened. Then, right before you make a purchase, transfer only the amount of money you will need to cover that transaction.
Do Not Use Bank Routing and Account Numbers. When making purchases online, never use the check feature to complete the transaction. Only use your credit card or debit card for this purpose. That way, if your data is compromised, you will not have to close down your main checking or savings account just to avoid becoming a victim. If an online entity will not take anything except bank routing and account numbers, then refuse to do business with them, or find another way, such as a money order.
Watch Your Mail for Credit Card Applications. If you receive an application in the mail for a credit card and you have no intention of applying for the card, then destroy it immediately by shredding it as the means of disposing it properly. If you just throw these in the trash, they can be found by trash thieves and used to obtain a credit card in your name with a change of address.
Be very aware and careful of your transactions that you perform online. This is where you are most vulnerable and will most likely become a victim. If, however, you implement the steps above you can help avoid these pitfalls. Being a victim is a frustrating and time consuming event in your life. Why not make the frustrating and time consuming part of this process in your activities to avoid it?
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