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Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Identity theft happens when someone pretends to be you, stealing your Social Security number, your credit cards, and/or your bank account numbers to open new accounts and charge thousands of dollars to buy themselves cars, clothes or a vacation. This can eventually leave your credit ruined and your financial reputation in shambles.

Here are a few tips to help you and your elder guard against identity theft.

¨ Check your credit report at least once a year and correct any errors.

¨ Check billing statements regularly for charges you did not make.

¨ Don’t give out your Social Security number unless absolutely required. Ask any business why it needs your Social Security number.

¨ Don’t have your telephone or driver’s license number printed on your checks.

¨ Shred all charge receipts, bank statements, credit cards and credit offers.

¨ Cut back on the number of cards you carry. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport with you.

¨ Be aware of others who are nearby when you’re using your PIN. Don’t throw your ATM receipt in the wastebasket.

¨ Don’t give your credit card or bank account number over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you confirm that you are dealing with an actual representative of a legitimate business.

¨ Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

¨ Secure personal information in your home, especially if you employ outside help. (From AARP)