Today instead of following in another’s footsteps, crooks are actually stealing  the identity of unspecting people.    Not only  do they steal your name, your credit  cards, your checking account, but they can ruin your credit rating. You may not be aware of the damage done to your good name until long after the fact. 
 Lately the nightly news has been filled with horror stories of people having identity stolen.   In a few short minutes thousands of dollars  can be lost that will take months of letter writing and telephone calls to repair the damage. 
  Most people make it easy by carrying a driver license, credit cards, checkbook, insurance cards, and social security cards  conveniently in a wallet or purse.  When a wallet or purse is stolen,  the crook only has to substitute their picture on your driver’s license, alas and behold,  they  appear to be“YOU”to the unsuspecting. 
 It may take only a few minutes of their time but it will take weeks and months of your time to straighten out this mess.  Here a few tips that may help prevent this type of crime.   

• Carry your purse or wallet close to  your body. 
• Carry only what you will need to  complete your business.  For  instance, carry only one or two  checks or one major credit card.
• Do not leave your purse unattended for  any reason while you look around   the store.  Keep it close to your   body and closed.
• Remove seldom used credit cards.
• Remove seldom used personal   informational type cards.
• Be suspicious of anyone linger  around.
•  Write your telephone number  instead of repeating it  for others to hear.