Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements To Prevent Identity Theft

After you move to a new office, or a new residence, you need to watch your credit card and bank statements for unexplained charges or suspicious activity. These charges or unexplained activity could happen with your debit card, credit cards, or even department store charge cards.

But also be aware that credit-related fraud "accounts for only about one-third of identity theft," Schwartz says. Non-credit related problems actually make up the bulk of problems, with thieves stealing your personal information in order to open new cell phones or bank accounts, establish utility services, or even get payday loans and fake driver's licenses in your name.