An effective way to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit files.
Doing so blocks anyone-including yourself- from accessing your credit report and prevents new creditors from opening accounts in your name.

More information at;
http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/le...84indiv.html#NY

Doesn't sound like great advice for those young people on this site who are trying to build credit history. In addition freezing only prevents companies from accessing your report, it doesn't stop your report from updating. And it would not prevent someone who stole your credit card to use it.

Possibly a better strategy is to closely monitor your credit to catch possible fraud in its early stages before it can effect you. A freeze would then be a possible first step if you find out you have been victimized.

Anyone who wants my identity can have it. I've been trying to shed it for years now

1. It's most suitable for folks who are not planning to apply for credit in the near future.
2. It helps prevents identity theft; crooks who use your identity to open multiple credit accounts accounts, and other damage.
3. Young people can continue to build a credit history by maintaining their accounts and opening new accounts when they deem it necessary.
4. By the time you find out someone has stolen your identity, you may have 3 houses in your name. Bills may go to a fake address and it's a pain to get it all straightened out.

My next door neighbor might be interested.

What do they have to offer???

Sorry, it's still bad advice for 99% of the people on this board.

This is not advice. This is presenting information so people can make their own decisions. I really don't care what people do or don't do.

So why is it a bad decision for 99% of the people on this board?

I just need to vent. Yesterday I receive a letter from a former employer advising me that the compamy is investigating a loss of computerized data that occurred recently during routine transport of backup tapes to a storage facility. Apparently the tapes contained my personal information, including my name, home address and social security number. Needless to say, I'm furious!

They've offered me two years of free identity theft protection, but that's not a guarantee, and what happens after two years?

Negotiate 10 years from them

Hmmm...... I like that idea, but I wonder if they'll negotiate. Apparently this is what they're offering all current and former employees who had their information compromised.

If they say no, say you think you should contact your attorney before deciding.