Identity theft is running rampant in our nation. Here are 8 tips on how to make your ID harder to steal.
Never give someone access to your accounts

Keep user names or passwords for online accounts to yourself
Don't let someone else "borrow" your card or be an authorized user
NEVER tell anyone your debit card's PIN number

Keep your computer clean

Check for viruses
Use a firewall at home
Use a VPN when in public. Spotflux.com is a free program for Windows and Mac

Don't click on web links

Don't let them get through your firewall with a "Is this you in the picture" or "someone is  saying nasty things about you on Twitter"
Verify with the person who sent the message that they indeed sent you a message

Tear off address labels

Remove labels from mail and packages
Shred blank application
Remove all inserts from magazines and catalogs that may contain your address

Get a PO Box

Have mail saved for you in a place more secure than a metal box on your curb
This could also make it more difficult for someone to find your address
Ensures you place outgoing mail in approved locales only

Opt-out

Reduce the amount of mail (and the amount of labels to shred)
Keeps unnecessary and tempting offers away from your eyes
Official site: http://OptOutPreScreen.com
For a video-tutorial, visit MoneyPlanSOS.com/Opt-Out

Freeze credit reports

Nobody can see your report, even you
Cost is $5-$10 per report
Experian http://www.experian.com/consumer/security_freeze.html
Transunion http://www.transunion.com/personal-credit/credit-disputes/credit-freezes.page
Equifax https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp

Don't fill out "Enter-to-win" stuff

You are more susceptible to phishing and scams when entering dozens of giveaways, unless you keep track of every one that you complete.

These steps can not guarantee your ID will never be stolen - how many times have you used your debit or credit card and the cashier never even looked to see if the back was signed? But following these common-sense tips can help make your ID harder for someone to steal.
Bonus material:
For those who subscribe to my ummmm, newsletter??? will get some bonus content in the next release: What to do if your ID is has been stolen.

Note for those who listen or subscribe to the email after May 22nd, 2012: You can still get this information - even if it's 2014. Go ahead and subscribe to the newsletter: http://MoneyPlanSOS.com/Newsletter, then send me a message (email Steve@MoneyPlanSOS.com or call/text 636-373-4818) and ask for the "What to do if you ID has been stolen"  newsletter. Be sure to include your email address so I can find you in the newsletter subscriber's database and shoot it out to you straight-away.