by Melanie Cullen

Minimize your risk that someone will get their hands on enough of your information to steal your identity.

Identity theft is an increasingly popular crime; there's a new victim almost every minute. Thieves steal critical information about their victims: names, addresses, telephone numbers, bank account or credit card numbers, and -- most dangerous -- Social Security numbers. They put this sensitive information to work in many ways: applying for additional credit cards or auto loans, opening bank accounts, setting up telephone services, and going on shopping sprees. Some identity thieves even go so far as to file bankruptcy in a victim's name or give the victim's name to police during an arrest.

If your identity is stolen, you could spend months or even years cleaning up the mess. You may be denied credit and refused loans, lose job opportunities, or even be suspected of crimes you didn't commit. But there are ways to minimize the risk of falling prey to an identity thief. Here are some simple things to do:

Secure your personal records. Ensure that your personal information is safely secured, especially if you have roommates or employ outside help.

• At work, verify that your personnel records are maintained securely and that sensitive records are shredded during disposal.
• Deposit outgoing mail at the post office or in a post office collection box (not in an unsecured bin or mailbox), and collect your incoming mail promptly.
• Protect your trash by tearing up or shredding sensitive materials: credit applications or credit offers, insurance forms, medical statements, charge receipts, checks and bank statements, and canceled or expired credit and ATM cards.

Watch your wallet. Keep your wallet (and your purse) in a safe place at work. When you are out in public, carry your wallet on your person at all times. In a restaurant, do not hang your purse on the back of your chair; this is easy-pickings for an identity thief.

Limit your load. Carry only the personal identification, credit cards, and debit cards that you need. Store little-used identification and cards in a secure location.

Protect your Social Security number (SSN). Keep your Social Security card in a secure location, and give out your SSN only when absolutely required. If your state uses Social Security numbers as your driver's license number, request that it substitute another number.

Use passwords. Place passwords on your credit cards, bank, and telephone accounts. Use passwords that are not easily guessed or found. Avoid using your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your SSN, or other personal data as your password.

Guard against tele-theft. Any time you are asked to provide personal information by telephone, through the mail, or over the Internet, be wary. Even when you have initiated the contact, confirm that the other party is legitimate. Call the organization's customer service number and validate the exchange -- before you provide any personal information. Also, ask how the information will be shared with others; request that the information be kept confidential.

Protect your PC . Take several steps to protect your identity as stored on your PC:

• Use a firewall and secure browser.
• Don't download files from strangers.
• Maintain current virus protection.
• Password-protect any personal or financial information.
• Avoid automatic log-in processes (that store your account name and password).
• When you dispose of your computer, delete personal information and completely overwrite the hard drive.