05-30-06 - A car dealership is one of the places identity thieves apply their trade. Using someone else's good name and credit, they buy a car and are never seen again. Thieves steal your social security number or other personal information in a number of ways. And knowing how they do it is essential if you want to stop them in their tracks.

Here are some tips on how to avoid being victimized:

Never provide your personal information to someone over the phone if you did not make the phone call.

Avoid using a cell phone to give out credit card or bank information.

Don't answer unsolicited emails; that is the newest way thieves steal your identity.

Shred financial records before throwing them out; dumpster diving is a favorite pastime of identity thieves.

Experts recommended you order your credit report at least once a year to review it for anything unusual. And check with your insurance company as many offer identity theft insurance. You’ve worked hard to maintain good credit; don't let a faceless criminal wreck it.