The fastest growing crime in the USA is identity theft. Residents of Sequim and Port Angeles are just as likely to be victims as residents of Seattle or Portland. Some things you can do to prevent being a victim of identity theft in Sequim or Port Angeles are:
1) Get a locking mail box.
2) “Go Paperless” with your financial statements which means have them sent to you electronically instead of via US Mail.
3) Check your credit report at least annually. You can get a free copy of all three credit agency reports on you at: www.annualcreditreport.com. This site is secure and authorized by Congress to provide consumers a free annual copy of their credit report from any of the 3 major credit reporting agencies.
4) Consider purchasing credit monitoring service from www.lifelock.com. I think it is worth the $20.00 per month for the peace of mind.
5) Do not put your Social Security Number on your personal checks.
6) Protect your Social Security Number, and do not give it out unless absolutely necessary.
7) Do not leave Mail containing any financial information to be picked up by the letter carrier. The red flag you raise on your mail box is a red flag for Mail thieves.
8) Have a background check done on repeat service providers coming into your home (housekeeper, caretaker, nanny, etc.) for peace of mind.