The problem of identity theft has been growing by leaps and bounds, and it is up to every consumer to take the steps needed to protect themselves from this serious crime. While some sources of identity theft, such as the theft or loss of personal information by banks and other large companies, is beyond the control of the consumer, other factors are well within their control.

It is important for every consumer to learn what they can do to protect themselves. Taking the time to learn how to protect yourself is essential. Some of the things you can do to combat the growing threat of identity theft include:

1. Shred, shred, shred

Be sure to shred personal mail and documents before they are discarded. Some of the many documents that should be shredded before disposal are credit card offers, credit card statements, courtesy checks tied to your credit card, bank statements, pay stubs, retirement plan statements and brokerage firm statements.

2. Be careful with outgoing mail

Do not mail sensitive items from your home mailbox. Instead of mailing credit card statements, bank correspondence, brokerage firm deposits and the like from your home, mail them directly from the post office, or from your office. Identity thieves often troll neighborhoods while homeowners are working, looking for just such personal mail.

3. Give out your social security number sparingly

Never give your Social Security number to anyone unless it is absolutely necessary, and never give out this number over the phone unless you initiated the call. Also be very protective of other important financial information, such as credit card account numbers, bank account numbers and passwords. Do not carry your Social Security card with you; instead keep it at home in a personal safe, or at the bank in a safe deposit box.

4. Monitor your credit profile

Monitor your credit reports carefully, and report any suspected credit card fraud or attempts at identity theft to the appropriate credit reporting agency immediately. When reviewing your credit report, pay special attention to the section that deals with recent inquiries against your credit file. Any unrecognized inquiries could be attempts at identity theft. Likewise, any new accounts you did not authorize could mean that your personal information has been breached.

5. Pay attention

Know when your credit card statements normally arrive, and follow up with the issuing bank if the statements do not arrive on time. Identity thieves often change the address of their victims in an attempt to cover their tracks. If you stop receiving financial mail, be sure to follow up with the financial institution in question to verify that your address information is correct. If the address has been changed without your knowledge, immediately notify that financial institution that you have been a victim of an identity theft attempt.

Protecting yourself from identity theft is an important issue for everyone. It is up to every consumer to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of this serious crime.

It will take a concerted effort by everyone involved, from the targeted companies to the targeted consumers, to put an end to this problem, but in the meantime the more you can learn the more you can lessen your chances of being victimized by identity thieves.

See also: Identity theft protection 101