dentity theft is a personally invasive crime that involves crooks assuming someone's identity by applying for credit in his or her name, running up huge bills and stiffing creditors.

Banks or creditors absorb most of the financial losses from such fraud, but the innocent victims still have the nightmare of cleaning up their credit and reassuming their identity.

The government estimates that 400,000 people are victims of identity theft annually.* But you can take action to protect yourself and your identity.

Guard your IDs
The following steps can help you avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:

• Never give out personal information over the telephone or the Internet unless you initiated the call and the person or organization is familiar and reputable.
  
  
• Create a list of account numbers and lost-card telephone numbers in case you lose any of your credit cards. Keep the list updated.
  
  
• Carry only the cards you intend to use; don't carry your Social Security card.
  
  
• Tear up or shred financial solicitations you receive in the mail.
  
  
• File credit card receipts and blank or canceled checks in a safe place.
  
  
• Order a copy of your credit report each year to check for problems or inconsistencies.

If problems arise ...
If you suspect you have been the victim of identity theft, contact the three credit bureaus:

*Federal Consumer Information Center, 2000.

Visit LaSalle's interactive quiz to test your defenses against identity theft.