Protecting your identity: Reduce your exposure to identity theft

Credit Card fraud is not the only kind of identity theft. Identity theft happens in many different ways. You can reduce your risk of being a victim of identity theft if you understand how thieves get hold of your personal data and take away their access.

Here are some of the most common ways identity thieves get people's information:

* Dumpster diving: Thieves rummage through trash to look for bills or other personal financial information. Do yourself a favor. Shred all personal financial information before you throw it away.

* Skimming: Thieves steal your credit card or debit card information by using a special storage device when processing your card. Be careful about using a credit card when you go into a store you don't frequent regularly.