I think everyone has heard about Target’s identity theft issue.  I know that I don’t want that to happen to me.

Jean Chatzky writes for AARP Magazine and has the following tips to protect you:

• Monitor Your Financial Life – check your credit card activity and your bank accounts on a regular basis.  This is fairly easy if you set up accounts online.  Get your free credit report every 3 months at annualcreditreport.com.
• Layer Up – Most states allow you to put a freeze on your credit accounts so that thieves can’t apply for credit in your name.  They charge from $3-$10 per credit reporting bureau to freeze or unfreeze your account.  There are also several sites online that offer free credit monitoring or you can subscribe to identity theft protection services.
• Ditch the Snail Mail – US Postal System has been called an absolute gift for identity thieves.  Anyone can reach into your mailbox and take info from it.  Subvert them by doing as much banking and bill paying online as possible.  (Don’t know that I think there is much difference with all the hackers out there.)
• Protect Your Technology – Make sure that you have the latest antivirus software and the most recent secure browser.  If using Wi-Fi, make sure that you have a secure connection.
• Fix Poor Passwords – Make your password long and complex and change them often.