NO HEADLINE

Dear Heloise: Here are some things your readers should be doing to prevent identity theft: Shred all financial statements with name, address and account information; do not keep your Social Security card in your wallet – keep it with your birth certificate, passport, etc., preferably locked in a fireproof box or in a safety-deposit box at the bank; do not respond to e-mails asking you to verify account or personal information; keep track of your bills; review your credit-card statements closely to be sure all the purchases are yours; and check your credit reports once a year for any inaccurate information.

I am familiar with this issue because I am a former credit card-fraud investigator. – Jennifer West, Elkton, Md.