Many people do not realize just how easily con artists can get valuable personal information without having to break into our homes. In public places, these criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" where they will watch you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone number or credit card number. In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to "spam" unsolicited E-mail that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data. One of the keys to preventing identity theft, therefore, is to safeguard personal information within the workplace, whether it's a business, government agency, or nonprofit. Targets for identity thieves include SSNs, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, PINs, passcodes, and dates of birth. Don t answer directly from your landline telephone, nor you d reply straight to the caller in his telephone or mobile unit for any demand on your personal identity number, or number. Queries needing response that you find doubtful should be replied direct to the office referred to, in the call. Possibly, try to research about the whereabouts of the place mentioned, if there are any. There is not a single solution to the identity theft problem. But there are ways that we can do to prevent it. All that it needs is awareness. Every one should be aware that such a threat exists. One should be able to know the signs if someone has already stolen his or her identity. One sign would be finding discrepancies on your credit records. If a culprit gets into hands-on control of one s number, it could be a start of a cycle of indefinite crimes against the legitimate owner, would lead the poor victim and his family into rubbles of chaos that can t easily be repaired. A ruined reputation because of unprecedented debts thru malicious intent of someone would ruin anyone s credibility, and totally, his life.