Editors Note: This is the second part of a two-part series examining identity theft in DeKalb.

Although identity theft is on the rise in Illinois, there are ways to protect oneself.

To protect themselves from credit card theft, people should never respond to unsolicited requests and always know who they are dealing with, said Lynn Richards, assistant director of Students’ Legal Services.

“If the bank calls, physically go in and speak to your representative,” she said.

The wallet, trash can and mailbox all offer chances for ID thieves to gain information, DeKalb police Lt. Jim Kayes said.

“Rule one: don’t carry anything in your wallet unless you have to,” Kayes said.

Carrying items such as social security cards or credit cards and keeping a high debit card balance could increase the chance of theft, Kayes said.

In addition, anything that comes in the mail such as a credit card application with checks should not be trashed whole because people go through trash cans, he said.

People should also be cautious when mailing private information from their mailbox. ID thieves go through mailboxes early in the morning before the mail arrives, Kayes said.

The Internet also makes it easier for ID thieves to get information.

“When dealing online or over the phone, never give out your social security number,” Kayes said. Kayes warned against e-mails that appear to be from a legitimate business, such as a bank, and have the same logo.

If they ask for confirming account information, do not reply and trash them right away, he said.

When people are victimized, they need to notify one of the three credit agencies and put a fraud alert on their credit file so that it can be halted, said DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott.

Victims should file a police report so they can share it with their credit card companies and stop further abuse, Scott said.

Victims of social security number misuse should report to the Social Security Administration, Richards said.