Identity theft is on the rise because it is becoming increasingly easier for people to do. Primitive personal ID thefts like printing fake checks and fake ID cards exist, but technology has changed the way people victimize others.

The bad guys are making fake IDs with imaging and editing software often fooling victims into giving personal information. A scammer may contact a senior citizen claiming to be from a bank or other business. The person is then asked to give their checking account, banking, credit card or other information over the telephone.

Also check  and watch your outgoing mail. Outgoing mail can easily be snatched from mailboxes by thieves and credit card information appropriated.

Of course there are the phishing and online computer schemes that populate the internet and need scrutiny. Prevention is not opening any mail you are not sure of. Manually type in the ebay address or PayPal or credit card address instead of using the link in an email. You never know if you’re being scammed.