Identity Theft (where someone uses your identity to fraudulently obtain money, goods or services) is becoming a very large problem in California. It's very important to learn how to protect yourself from this insidious crime that can ruin your credit rating and cause major problems for you for many years. At a minimum, you should go to a copy machine (or use the scanner connected to your computer as a copier - most can be set up to work that way) and make COPIES of ALL of your credit cards, licences, etc. and keep them in a safe place. Next to the copy of each card, write down the 800 phone number to call if you have a problem. Take a set of those pages with you whenever you TRAVEL (keeping them in a safe place of course).

Here are some other excellent IDENTITY THEFT resources for you:

California Public Interest Research Group Privacy Rights Clearinghouse California Department of Consumer Affairs

Adapted from Sacramento Police Department. "Identity Theft Resources."http://www.sacpd.org/identity_Theft.html (17 May 1999)