Credit identity theft can be done in either be through a credit card or a credit line or account. An identity thief may fake your card, or use your account number at a merchant websites and make purchases using your account. Or they can use your online credit to make fraudulent purchases. With this much possibility, credit identity theft even through the years rank at the top of identity thefts. In 2006 alone 8.9 million Americans fall victim to identity theft, majority of which are credit identity thefts. It is necessary to take steps to prevent identity theft and protect oneself from the hassle of fixing the problem.

How to Prevent Identity Theft – Your Top 3 Defense

1.  Keep your wallet safe. Put it in your bag or purse, where it is least likely to be stolen. Note that stealing wallets is the number one method where credit identity theft takes place.

2. Never leave your credit card statements just lying around. All someone has to do is fill out an address change form and send it to your credit card company or call them for an address change for your statements and then your credit identity is stolen.

3. Another way for your credit identity to be stolen is at an unsecure website. To prevent identity theft check for the yellow padlock at the bottom of your screen, this shows that the website is secured. If you don’t see it, it’s better not to type in your account number.

There are other options of course, money order, a checking account, a debit card and an online credit line but of course these pose their own problems as well and as such they too are open to identity theft.

A few of the problems might happen with these methods: money order may be inconvenient to get and it can get stolen in the mail as well, facing just another form of thievery. A checking account may mean more dire credit identity theft consequences, like having your entire account emptied in seconds as well as a debit card where all the money in the card can be taken at once. An online credit line may pose you with a large debt before any signs of trouble.

Of course, you can pay by cash for all your transactions, it is the ultimate protection to prevent identity theft using your cards but in this day and age, it is very hard to stay away from e-commerce, it is makes much more sense to transact many business online.

Perhaps the most sensible identity theft prevention tip is finding out just where your lifestyle and habits are most susceptible to attacks. You may want to invest in some knowledge on how to protect yourself from identity theft.  Here are some tips you can utilize to ensure your protection.

Tip #1: Have Credit, Will Shop!

Did you know that you are just asking for trouble by using debit cards or checks when shopping online? Yes, credit cards often figure in many identity theft stories, but they still offer a lot more security than other ways. You will be able to monitor all charges and in cases of discrepancies in your account, you can dispute this and if proven you are not held liable for these charges.

When you use a debit card or a check, it opens you up to bank fraud, allowing the thief the chance to empty your bank account in an instant and the money is gone before you even realize what’s going on.

Tip #2: Don’t Jot It Down!

The teller or the credit officer may tell you to write down your credit card number on your check, but it is strongly advised not to do it, this practice violates the law in many US states since it opens you up to bank fraud.  You can check your state government or State Legislature website for further information.

Tip #3: Take your receipt!

Yes you may be carrying a lot of bags and boxes with your purchases and can’t be bothered with picking up your credit card receipt, but leaving them lying around where thieves can likely pick them up opens you up for an attack or if you do take your receipt but throws them in the trash, you better think again, Dumpster diving is a practice common to identity thieves. Be vigilant of your own habits, this is how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Tip #4: Look out for Skimmers!

You may think it’s safe to give an employee of the establishment you’re in your card to pay for your purchase, but you should always keep your credit card in sight, simply because of skimmers: a small handheld gadget to swipe your card in to get your account info. You can stop this by ensuring that your card is within your site, even if it means following a store clerk or standing up from the table to see where your card goes.

This is how to protect yourself from identity theft, a vigilant effort to ensure that your credit card details are not divulged just to anybody and minor inconveniences like following a clerk and such will ensure that you are less likely to fall victim to identity thieves and less likely to face problems that comes with being a victim.