Well, we're not even two weeks into the month of August and more than 32,000 people have had their personal information compromised because of data security breaches.  Including one at the National Finance Center in Washington D.C. that exposed the names and Social Security numbers of 27,000 Commerce Department employees.  Finance and Commerce – they should know better!!

Part of personal financial fitness and growing better credit scores is protecting your information and practicing identity theft prevention.  Yes, our information is already out there, probably more than we realize.  However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of identity theft.

First, don't give your info out to everybody that asks for it.  The pizza place or video rental probably doesn't need your mother's maiden name, your birthday and shoe size. 

Second, be smart and careful with the items that have your personal information on them. Don't carry your Social Security card; don't carry every single one of your credit cards; only take the checkbook when you know you'll be writing a check.  The Identity Theft Resource Center has a great quiz that checks your risk of identity theft and highlights steps you can take for prevention.  Their Consumer Risk Test has excellent information about your info and the businesses you do business with.

Simply following some Identity Theft Prevention Tips reduces your risk.  We talk to so many people who didn't think it would happen to them.  Make sure that you do all you can to protect your information and your good credit.

Complete Credit Services specializes in credit report correction and credit education for consumers.  If you are the victim of identity theft and your credit report has fraudulent information on it, our consulting services can be of assistance.  Contact us today for more information.