If you’ve ever had a dog who has tracked mud in the house you know what a messy trail that can become. Now consider the trail you leave behind every time you buy something off the internet or do business at an ATM or even throw out your garbage. Those are all ways that thieves can steal your identity. But this doesn’t mean you have to be a victim. For every innovative way someone comes up with to steal an identity, there is an equally and often stronger way to protect your identity.

You need to be smart about your identity trail. Consider buying a paper shredder to destroy any mail, old bills or other papers that might have important account numbers on them. Just because you don’t see someone going through your trash doesn’t mean that dumpster diving isn’t a source for identity thieves to get your information.

ATMs have become a great way for people to make deposits and get cash on their schedule. But they’re also a place where identity thieves can snatch your pin numbers. When you stop off at an ATM just be aware of your surroundings. Be on the look out for anyone peering over your shoulder and make sure you block your pin number when you enter it into the ATM.

Nowadays, we spend a lot of time on the internet for business and for fun but every time we log on, we’re leaving a trail that might be picked up by identity thieves. There are several steps you can take to prevent your identity from being stolen over the internet. Make sure you have a strong firewall and anti-virus protection on your computer. You can’t be sure of the safety of every site you’re going to visit. This is where malicious hackers could attach a virus that can allow them access to your information. Make purchases with reputable sites that have strong security on their marketplace. And consider updating your various passwords.

Don’t let down your guard. If you’re out on the web you will be leaving a trail. It’s up to you to make sure that trail is cleaned up!