In the ongoing quest on getting better credit scores, we have to consider identity theft prevention and protection along with late payments and other credit score factors.  Even if you pay all your bills on time, limit the number of new credit applications and keep your revolving account balances low, an identity thief can wreak havoc with your personal information and credit scores.

One area to take precautionary measures with is online computer use.  The internet is a fabulous, immense wealth of information and entertainment.  It is also a gateway to personal computers if we are not consistent with our protection tools and common sense.

This PC Safety Quiz from the Identity Theft Resource Center is a great starting point to check how safe your online habits are.  It can also point out some areas that you might need to give a little more attention to.  Most of the preventative measures we need to take to protect our personal information and good credit rating are relatively easy to do.  Updating anti-virus programs, using password protection and keeping anti spamware current can be set up to run automatically or you can use your planner or calendar to remind you to do the updates.

Take the time to learn what you can do.  And then do it.  The time, frustration, and potential drop in credit scores are not worth the risk.  It pays to be credit wise.