The Federal Trade Commission has reported that Illinois has the 10th highest rate of identity theft reported nationally in 2004.  Listed below are eight (8) recommended tips to help prevent IDENTITY THEFT:

	Find out how your personal information will be used before revealing it.
	Shred or tear up receipts, financial statement and pre-approved credit applications before discarding or recycling them.
	Pay attention to your billing cycles and follow up if a bill doesn't arrive on time.
	Deposit outgoing mail in a collection box or the post office rather than leaving it for your postal worker.  Put passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts.
	Don't give out personal information over the Internet or through the mail unless you initiate the contact or are familiar with the recipient.
	Order a copy of your credit report every year.
	Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary.
	For more information on IDENTITY THEFT, go to http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

HOME REPAIR FRAUD:  click here for a consumer fraud pamphlet