Your Privacy --- Identity Theft

Identity theft! It's one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It affects 9 million Americans each year. As a teen, you are at greater risk. A thief can open an account in your name and you won't even know it until you try to apply for a credit card or get a loan from the bank. They can use your social security number and apply for a driver's license even before you do. Don't let it happen to you!

Here's what you can do to prevent identity theft:

• Don't recycle or throw away unshredding paper with personal information like a cash register receipt, cell phone bill or pre-approved credit card offer.


• Use privacy features on your online social networks


• Log off public computers especially when you've read your email, did online banking or checked out your Facebook.


• Ask why and how it will be used before you give out your social security number when applying for a job, the bank, doctor's office or sports team


• Don't share your passwords or account information


• Don't use file sharing programs for free music or movies

Learn more about how thieves work and ways to protect your privacy by reading Money Talks Teen Guide Privacy, Please!