Your Identity in the Dumpster — Literally

Failing mortgage companies are leading to an increased risk of identity theft. They're shutting their doors at a record pace due to the subprime debacle . When this happens, some details get ignored...

For example, your personal information might end up in a dumpster. The dumpster is not just for companies that have failed: a recent Wall Street Journal article exposed highlighted the issue. An Indianapolis reporter found personal information in 18 out of 40 dumpsters he checked (behind mortgage-related businesses).

What can you do? As more and more companies touch your mortgage (and more and more shut down) you need to watch your credit. Take advantage of the US government's free credit report program before you pay anybody.

Further reading:

• US Free Credit Report program
• What is Subprime?