Stop Credit Offers

Security-minded consumers routinelyshred credit card offers that come in themail to foil identity thieves who could usethem to apply for credit. That may not beenough, some experts say. Ideally, youshould try to keep such offers out of yourmailbox entirely, which you can do bycalling 888-567-8688. The three majorcredit bureaus—Experian (www.experian.com), Transunion (www.transunion.com), and Equifax (www.equifax.com)— have set up this service so consumerscan put a stop to future offers. Youshould also get a copy of your creditreport from the three bureaus andcheck it for any suspicious activity, suchas charge accounts listed that you neveropened. Report any errors to the creditbureaus immediately. For more tips ondealing with identity theft, go towww.consumer.gov.