Last year, as many as 16 million households fell victim to identify theft. Don't join them this year. Fear of identity theft has spawned an entire industry offering protection against this fraud. But, there are a number of things you can do yourself. Here are some tips on reducing your risk:
Get off mailing lists for preapproved credit card offers, a gold mine for identity thieves. Call 888-567-8688 or visit optoutprescreen.com. Stop other junk mail at dmachoice.org (mailed requests cost $1).
Enroll in free alerts from your bank and credit card users to flag unusual activity on accounts.
Ask your credit card providers to issue you new "smart cards" with safer EMV chip technology. if they're unavailable, request replacement plastic with your photograph.
