One overlooked method for preventing identity theft is the “credit freeze.”  Many states allow this now.  Basically, you contact the 3 credit reporting agencies (experian, transunion, equifax), and request the freeze.  Here’s a link describing what this means.

The main drawback is that you won’t be able to open a new credit line, or credit card account without “unfreezing” your account.  So if you don’t need any new credit card accounts, loans, etc.  then a credit freeze is a great option.  This prevents the agencies from releasing your credit information, so if someone tries to open an account in your name, it will be denied.

With so many security breaches happening nowadays, simply being careful with your own data is not enough.  Too many organizations (legally) have your data, and their security CAN be breached.  We see the reports every day.  How many breaches go undetected or unreported?