Saving your ID

The more we learn about identity theft, the more frightening the possibility becomes that our own personal information will be used to run up debts and ruin our credit. And when someone in our own community experiences that nightmare, it gives us even more reason for pause.

Individuals who are careless and fail to protect private data such as Social Security numbers and bank-account numbers can blame themselves when identity theft occurs. But banks and other companies that make it so easy for crooks to steal our identities and abuse our good names deserve a large share of the blame too.

How many times have you received credit cards in the mail that you didn't request? How many times does your credit-card company mail you checks embossed with your name? These are like gold to credit thieves who risk severe federal penalties for tampering with the mail in order to reap huge ill-gotten rewards.

And unless you have joined the legions of Americans who have purchased a shredder that turns every scrap of personal information into confetti, you risk identity theft every time you throw away something with personal information on it.

Bottom line: No one is watching out for your identity except you. Any precaution you take to protect your identity is a step in the right direction.