var json_comments = new Array("<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9462378\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=121697\"><img        src=\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-121697-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=121697\">einstoch</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9462378\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T18:32:22-05:00\">December 14, 2008  6:32 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9462378);\">Moderate</a> |</span>	<script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"http://consumerist.com/mt-static/plugins/Moderate/moderate.js\"></script>	<script type=\"text/javascript\">		successMsg = \"\";	</script><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9462378');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>pic: donnie darko anyone?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9462378, 'einstoch')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->									<div class=\"num-replies\">3 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9487734\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=568572\"><img        src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=568572\">SuvarnarekhaLazork</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9487734\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T22:40:33-05:00\">December 15, 2008 10:40 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9487734);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9487734');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9462378\" rel=\"nofollow\">einstoch</a>: Gotta love Frank the Bunny! He's come from the future to tell you to protect your credit.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9487734, 'SuvarnarekhaLazork')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9471849\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=345620\"><img        src=\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-345620-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=345620\">robocop is bleeding</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9471849\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T13:23:07-05:00\">December 15, 2008  1:23 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9471849);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9471849');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9462378\" rel=\"nofollow\">einstoch</a>: I saw it as more Sander Cohen from BioShock.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9471849, 'robocop is bleeding')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9462949\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">MightyDwarf56    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9462949\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T19:20:03-05:00\">December 14, 2008  7:20 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9462949);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9462949');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/5106336/diy-id-theft-protection#c9462378\" rel=\"nofollow\">einstoch</a>: That was my first thought.</p><br /><p>Donnine Darko doesn't make any sense.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9462949, 'MightyDwarf56')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9462653\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=699416\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-699416-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=699416\">matthewharding</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9462653\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T18:54:02-05:00\">December 14, 2008  6:54 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9462653);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9462653');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>I forgot all about the OptOutPrescreen.com website. I'll be doing that on Monday.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9462653, 'matthewharding')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->										<div class=\"num-replies\">4 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9472884\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=488475\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-488475-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=488475\">HogwartsAlum</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9472884\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T14:51:11-05:00\">December 15, 2008  2:51 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9472884);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9472884');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9462653\" rel=\"nofollow\">Matthew Harding</a>:</p><p>I should, but I really like getting catalogs in the mail.  Unfortunately, I can't ever afford to order anything out of them!</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9472884, 'HogwartsAlum')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9463366\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">ngth    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9463366\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T19:51:12-05:00\">December 14, 2008  7:51 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9463366);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9463366');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9462653\" rel=\"nofollow\">Matthew Harding</a>:</p><p>There's something wrong with the optout site at the moment:</p><p>\"A condition exists that prevents us from being able to accept your request at this time. Please try our toll-free request number at (888) 567-8688.<br />Please visit this website again at a later time. Thank you.\"</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9463366, 'ngth')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9474994\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=699416\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-699416-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=699416\">matthewharding</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9474994\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T16:15:42-05:00\">December 15, 2008  4:15 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9474994);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9474994');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/5106336/diy-id-theft-protection#c9463366\" rel=\"nofollow\">ngth</a>: Yea, I saw that today. Looks like I will be calling them on lunch.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9474994, 'matthewharding')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>     <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9463015\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=453211\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-453211-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=453211\">supercereal</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9463015\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T19:25:22-05:00\">December 14, 2008  7:25 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9463015);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9463015');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9462653\" rel=\"nofollow\">Matthew Harding</a>: I did it by phone (888-5-OPT-OUT) awhile back, and it works like a charm.  Calling the companies I actually have accounts with to stop the offers has been on my to-do list for awhile.  Good article with some great reminders!</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9463015, 'supercereal')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9463063\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=210697\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-210697-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=210697\">jenjen</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9463063\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T19:29:10-05:00\">December 14, 2008  7:29 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9463063);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9463063');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Remember that putting blocks or alerts on your credit can prevent you from signing up for on-the-spot credit offers such as store cards, which you may have a good reason to want to sign up for. You can sometimes get it approved with phone calls but only if you have all the right info on hand.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9463063, 'jenjen')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->									<div class=\"num-replies\">3 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9472757\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=207431\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-207431-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=207431\">pz</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9472757\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T14:45:52-05:00\">December 15, 2008  2:45 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9472757);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9472757');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9463063\" rel=\"nofollow\">jenjen</a>: Please tell me one of these \"good reasons\" why I may want to sign up for additional credit cards, because I'm having a little bit of trouble thinking of one.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9472757, 'pz')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9480991\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Beerad    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9480991\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T19:26:07-05:00\">December 15, 2008  7:26 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9480991);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9480991');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/5106336/diy-id-theft-protection#c9472757\" rel=\"nofollow\">mdmadph</a>: Because if you can get a 10% discount on whatever you're buying that day and you were buying a few thousand dollars worth of furniture and/or appliances it might be worth it?</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9480991, 'Beerad')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>     <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9463553\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=25844\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-25844-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=25844\">humphrmi</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9463553\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T20:04:13-05:00\">December 14, 2008  8:04 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9463553);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9463553');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9463063\" rel=\"nofollow\">jenjen</a>: On the other hand, when  K-Mart offers you a free bottle of pop or package of candy to sign up (<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/377520/kmart-will-trade-you-a-bottle-of-coke-or-free-candy-for-a-sears-credit-card-app\" rel=\"nofollow\">[consumerist.com]</a>) you can take the freebies without taking the hard pull hit.  ;-)</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9463553, 'humphrmi')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9463776\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=568700\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-568700-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=568700\">downwithmonstercable</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9463776\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T20:17:25-05:00\">December 14, 2008  8:17 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9463776);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9463776');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Is the \"credit alert\" something you can just add for the hell of it? Or does there need to be a legitimate alert? I'm all over that if you can just add it on. If it means a little extra scrutinizing and me having to provide a little more info, I'd be ok with that.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9463776, 'downwithmonstercable')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->							<div class=\"num-replies\">1 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9470353\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">David Nielsen    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9470353\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T07:01:20-05:00\">December 15, 2008  7:01 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9470353);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9470353');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9463776\" rel=\"nofollow\">downwithmonstercable</a>:</p><p>A fraud alert can be placed for any reason or no reason at all. The credit bureaus want you to believe it can only be placed if you suspect fraud, but the lovely automated voice response lady doesn't ever ask for a reason.</p><p>More info here - <a href=\"http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/flag.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">[www.fightidentitytheft.com]</a></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9470353, 'David Nielsen')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9463780\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=86807\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-86807-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=86807\">strathmeyer</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9463780\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T20:17:43-05:00\">December 14, 2008  8:17 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9463780);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9463780');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Shouldn't every story about the ID theft companies include the fact that thieves usually sign up for them right after stealing an ID?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9463780, 'strathmeyer')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9464114\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=37033\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-37033-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=37033\">TechnoDestructo</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9464114\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T20:39:16-05:00\">December 14, 2008  8:39 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9464114);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9464114');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>No need for a shredder if you have a fireplace.  Or a metal bucket and a sizable patch of exposed mineral soil.  But with the fireplace you can let the junk mail heat your home.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9464114, 'TechnoDestructo')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->										<div class=\"num-replies\">4 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9467560\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=146805\"><img        src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=146805\">shepd</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9467560\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T01:49:28-05:00\">December 15, 2008  1:49 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9467560);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9467560');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9464114\" rel=\"nofollow\">TechnoDestructo</a>:</p><p>A bucket of water is better.  Pulped paper can't be put back together, but burned paper can still be read.  :-)</p><p>Cheaper, too...  And if you want to put lots of effort in, you can use the pulp to make paper again!  :D</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9467560, 'shepd')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9469357\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=169958\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-169958-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=169958\">gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9469357\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T04:38:25-05:00\">December 15, 2008  4:38 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9469357);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9469357');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9467560\" rel=\"nofollow\">shepd</a>: blender + water + shredded bits, let the pulp dry, then burn it?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9469357, 'gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9469362\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=169958\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-169958-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=169958\">gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9469362\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T04:38:48-05:00\">December 15, 2008  4:38 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9469362);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9469362');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9469357\" rel=\"nofollow\">Gstein</a>: then use the ash to make soap...</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9469362, 'gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>     <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>     <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9466367\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=564421\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-564421-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=564421\">RandaPanda</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9466367\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T23:56:10-05:00\">December 14, 2008 11:56 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9466367);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9466367');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/5106336/diy-id-theft-protection#c9464114\" rel=\"nofollow\">TechnoDestructo</a>: That's a nice idea. I'll probably use that idea when I can't afford to pay the gas bill because those prices haven't come down like automobile gas prices have...</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9466367, 'RandaPanda')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->                    <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9464665\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=309558\"><img        src=\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-309558-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=309558\">Whiskey Tango Foxtrot</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9464665\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-14T21:24:54-05:00\">December 14, 2008  9:24 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9464665);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9464665');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9464114\" rel=\"nofollow\">TechnoDestructo</a>: Agreed. I shred my old bank/credit card statements, applications, etc and use it as fire starter.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9464665, 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9467292\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Anonymous    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9467292\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T01:23:10-05:00\">December 15, 2008  1:23 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9467292);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9467292');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Don't EVER use that site with the catchy jingle on TV!  F-R-E-E, that spells SCAM!  (It's owned by one of the bureaus).  I can only get my free reports once a year from that government site, but a better one is creditreport.com</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9467292, '')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9468024\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=73143\"><img        src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=73143\">bobbo33</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9468024\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T02:38:16-05:00\">December 15, 2008  2:38 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9468024);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9468024');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Any opinions on the Zander Insurance program?  They seem unique in helping to clean up <i>after</i> the theft occurs, not just the worthless \"monitoring\" before-the-fact.<br /><a href=\"http://www.zanderinsurance.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">[www.zanderinsurance.com]</a></p><p>Disclaimer: Not affiliated or customer of Zander, but I am a Dave Ramsey fan (Dave endorses Zander).</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9468024, 'bobbo33')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->							<div class=\"num-replies\">1 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9470852\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=687415\"><img        src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=687415\">driver10</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9470852\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T08:59:54-05:00\">December 15, 2008  8:59 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9470852);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9470852');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"#c9468024\" rel=\"nofollow\">bobbo33</a>: <br /><br />I bought the Zander Insurance two years ago but I (fortunately) haven't had to use it. I listen to Ramsey everyday and agree with most of what he says. 2500 miles a week in a semi me gives a lot of time to listen.<br /><br />I froze my credit reports three years ago and since I haven't opened any new credit lines I haven't had to hassle with unfreezing them. I also bought the program at Equifax ($100/yr) where I can check my credit report an unlimited number of times. I check it at least once a month. And of course the free credit reports from the other agencies. <br /><br />Along with the shredder I think I'm covered. But if it does happen the Zander insurance should take a lot of the hassle out of it. Or so I hope.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9470852, 'driver10')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9469351\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=169958\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-169958-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=169958\">gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9469351\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T04:37:46-05:00\">December 15, 2008  4:37 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9469351);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9469351');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>A condition exists that prevents us from being able to accept your request at this time. Please try our toll-free request number at (888) 567-8688.<br />Please visit this website again at a later time. Thank you.<br />using latest Firefox stable in windows... any idea why this is happening?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9469351, 'gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","","","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9471761\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=148647\"><img        src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=148647\">enine</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9471761\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T13:09:40-05:00\">December 15, 2008  1:09 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9471761);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9471761');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>A cross shredder only helps for the mail you receive, if something gets misdirected along the way to you it doesn't help. Sign up for paperless anywhere you can to eliminate it at the source.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9471761, 'enine')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9472268\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">blackmage439    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9472268\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T14:13:05-05:00\">December 15, 2008  2:13 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9472268);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9472268');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Enine has a good point. If the mail never becomes generated in the first place, you have nothing to fear.</p><p>For all of that spam you still receive, \"strip\" or \"cross-cut\" shredders are ineffective. The best way to ensure your documents are nigh unreproducible is to invest in a \"micro-cut\" shredder like this bad boy: <a href=\"http://www.fellowes.com/fellowes/site/products/ProductDetails.aspx?Id=3245001\" rel=\"nofollow\">[www.fellowes.com]</a> * A micro-cut shredder literally turns paper into confetti**. This model will also make short work of CDs and credit cards. Both my parents and I have had these babies for over a year, and we couldn't be happier with their operation.</p><p>* At the time of our purchases, Buy.com had the cheapest price, with a discount if you're a first-time Google Checkout user.</p><p>** Not to be confused with so-called \"confetti-cut\" shredders. Most manufacturers define \"confetti\" as strips of at least a half an inch long.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9472268, 'blackmage439')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9473023\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=1797\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1797-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=1797\">Amy Alkon</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9473023\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T14:58:17-05:00\">December 15, 2008  2:58 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9473023);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9473023');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Freeze your credit. Freeze your credit. Freeze your credit.</p><p>When the horribly irresponsible Bank of America gave away $12,000 of my money on seven separate occasions to thieves with ONLY a fake driver's license in my name (they didn't check signature, they didn't require a bank card, they didn't require a pin any of those times), there was one small bright spot in the deal -- the fact that my late friend Cathy Seipp, one of the smartest people I knew about finances, advised me to freeze my credit in 2005. I listened, so when the thieves went to Target, and Kmart, and Wal-Mart, and Sears, and Target again in hopes of getting instant credit, they were shot down, and all I got were chilling letters in the mail from these retailers: \"So sorry we couldn't grant you instant credit -- did you forget you have a credit freeze on?\"</p><p>I also recommend putting a password on every credit account so only somebody who has it can call and get information and/or change your address. Before you're a victim.</p><p>Finally, I want to recommend attorney and ID theft victim and now ID theft expert Mari Frank's book, \"From Victim To Victor.\" It has all the letters you/I need to send to credit bureaus, etc., to clean up the mess, written by a lawyer. They're on a CD or you can xerox them out of the book, fill in your name and details in the blank and mail them in.</p><p>Finally, let me just express my white-hot rage for Bank of America's spectacular laxness in their fiduciary duty to guard their customers' money and identity. I'm just one of many who've experienced this. I've blogged about it at advicegoddess.com, and Chris Hooley, of Arizona, another victim, Chris-Hooley.com, has as well. If you bank at B of A, I'd advise you to read about our experiences. Had I known the reality of their \"multiple layers of security\" (in my experience and in those who had the same or worse experiences -- like a guy in the midwest who was able to get money just by holding his driver's license in his hand, NEVER showing it to the teller or having his signature checked or his bankcard and password demanded), I never would've banked there. I'm now at a small community bank with great service. My banker knows me, and not because I have big bucks. He knows his customers -- and likes it that way. When I called recently to say I might use the ATM in Paris, the guy on the 800 number knew my banker and had nice things to say about him (everybody does). Imagine that from some big anonymous we-don't-give-a-shit-about-protecting-your identity bank.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9473023, 'Amy Alkon')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9473322\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Anonymous    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9473322\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T15:11:21-05:00\">December 15, 2008  3:11 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9473322);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9473322');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>Does anyone know how to freeze your credit in Canada?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9473322, '')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->							<div class=\"num-replies\">1 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9489300\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=6760\"><img        src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=6760\">Boo</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9489300\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T23:45:28-05:00\">December 15, 2008 11:45 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9489300);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9489300');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/5106336/diy-id-theft-protection#c9473322\" rel=\"nofollow\">YorkAnaxagoras</a>: I am not sure about a freeze but you can call the three credit reporting companies and ask them to put a fraud alert on your report. I imagine you could also ask for a freeze.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9489300, 'Boo')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9478256\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=535742\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-535742-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=535742\">lemmor</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9478256\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T18:07:09-05:00\">December 15, 2008  6:07 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9478256);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9478256');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>does using annualcreditreport.com affect your credit score, because you are pulling a report on your credit?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9478256, 'lemmor')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->							<div class=\"num-replies\">1 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9495196\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">David Nielsen    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9495196\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-16T05:27:26-05:00\">December 16, 2008  5:27 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9495196);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9495196');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>@<a href=\"#c9478256\" rel=\"nofollow\">Lemmor</a>: No, it's considered a \"soft\" pull by the credit bureaus and has no effect on your credit score.</p><p>When a potential creditor pulls your report - theoretically at your behest - that is a \"hard\" pull and can influence your score.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9495196, 'David Nielsen')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9478762\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Anonymous    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9478762\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T18:23:04-05:00\">December 15, 2008  6:23 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9478762);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9478762');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>I agree there are a lot of identity theft protection companies who offer things that can be done for free.  Sometimes identity theft is unavoidable no matter how cautious you are with your personal information.  One of the better identity theft protection companies available today is SOLUS.  Their website actually informs you of all the things that are free for consumers to do on their own.  But they offer their members true protection including 24/7 credit monitoring with unlimited access to your credit report and credit score.  They send you an email alert anytime anything changes on your credit report.  They offer their members expense reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses related with an identity theft.  They provide legal and emotional care.  Best of all if you ever become a victim they do all the restoration on your behalf.  Their website is <a href=\"http://www.solusid.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.solusid.com</a></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9478762, '')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9480487\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Ash Khan    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9480487\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T19:12:30-05:00\">December 15, 2008  7:12 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9480487);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9480487');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>I'm the recent victim of ID theft. Some AH/SOB stole my credit card # and charged more than two grand in Arizona, but I live in California.And I had my credit card with me in my wallet all these time. Now I have deal with all the phone calls and leg works. When I contacted my credit Union( Community America Credit Union) and wanted to know what should I do now ? The fraud specialist from my credit union advised me that there is nothing for me to do since I did not loose any money ????? Then I visited different websites and found out lots of information which my bank does not know. I reported to FTC, Credit agencies and local police station. I also had to freeze my credit for 90 days.If the police find that person I'll advice them to put a stick of match in that person's ASS !!</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9480487, 'Ash Khan')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9484554\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=74864\"><img        src=\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-74864-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=74864\">MercuryPDX</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9484554\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T21:06:09-05:00\">December 15, 2008  9:06 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9484554);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9484554');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><i>STOP THE UNSOLICITED CREDIT CARD MAILINGS</i></p><p>Those I've stopped using the described method. My current credit cards continue to send me \"checks\" (transfer a balance or just deposit!) despite several phone calls telling them to stop.</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9484554, 'MercuryPDX')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9486524\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">John Dallas    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9486524\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T22:03:02-05:00\">December 15, 2008 10:03 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9486524);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9486524');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>In Canada, my CIBC Credit Card gives me free reports any time my credit rating is checked, changed, etc...</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9486524, 'John Dallas')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9489003\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=113596\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-113596-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=113596\">QuiteSpunky</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9489003\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-15T23:32:07-05:00\">December 15, 2008 11:32 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9489003);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9489003');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>I'm curious about the amount of identity theft that is done online vs. stolen mail/recycling. Does anyone have any figures for this? My suspicion is a far greater proportion of it is online and in large batches from compromised web retailers, but I'm not sure. I've purchased from so many places online I figure the best thing I can do is to carefully monitor my accounts.</p><p>Optoutprescreen totally works! I wish I'd done it sooner!</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9489003, 'QuiteSpunky')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->							<div class=\"num-replies\">1 replies</div>	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->     <!-- Loop through the reply comments -->        <div class=\"reply-container\" >            <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9519753\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=633703\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-633703-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=633703\">JennyDB</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9519753\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-17T02:30:31-05:00\">December 17, 2008  2:30 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9519753);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9519753');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>@<a href=\"http://consumerist.com/5106336/diy-id-theft-protection#c9489003\" rel=\"nofollow\">QuiteSpunky</a>: <br />Thanks to high-profile news stories and Hollywood movies, many people imagine cleaver electronic tactics and slick intelligent hackers using sophisticated scripts and algorithms to hack into your corporate databases and online accounts.</p><br /><p>Yet, according to the Identity Theft Survey 2008 by Javelin Research (leader in ID theft research), online methods of stealing sensitive information is actually quite rare. Most (79%) of identity theft stems from traditional low-tech methods including purse/wallet snatching, mail theft, shoulder surfing and dumpster diving.</p><br /><p>Learn more about this here: <br /><a href=\"http://www.mailboss.net/how-do-identity-thieves-steal-information/\" rel=\"nofollow\">[www.mailboss.net]</a><br />www.mailboss.net/how-do-thieves-steal-your-identity/</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9519753, 'JennyDB')\">Reply</a></div>		 	    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>                <!-- Display comment (reply comment, which may be a parent of more replies) -->            <div class=\"inner-reply-container\" >                 <!-- For each reply comment, recursively display any reply comments -->          	    </div>        	</div>    </div>","","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9496133\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=433752\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-433752-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=433752\">Meathamper</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9496133\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-16T07:10:23-05:00\">December 16, 2008  7:10 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9496133);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9496133');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>I just burn my statements. What better fun that to pretend to be an arsonist over your statements?</p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9496133, 'Meathamper')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment\" id=\"comment-9514711\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">                <a href=\"\"><img src=\"/css/images/default.gif\"         width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>            </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\">Anonymous    </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9514711\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-16T22:21:40-05:00\">December 16, 2008 10:21 PM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9514711);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9514711');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p>I use my credit card account statements as starter kindle for my fire place. <p>But my comment leans toward the comment in regards to free, \"Annual Credit  Report\".   We legally get one free look a year, what about the other 395 days identity thieves have a chance to steal our identity. </p><p>I like Canada's idea. Free credit reports all the time...What a concept. </p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9514711, '')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>","","<div class=\"comments-content\">        <div class=\"comment last\" id=\"comment-9520156\">    <div class=\"inner\">	 <div class=\"user-pic\">        <a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;amp;blog_id=1&amp;amp;id=633703\"><img        src=\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-633703-100x100.png\"        width=\"60\" height=\"60\" alt=\"user-pic\" /></a>    </div>        <div class=\"comment-header\">            <div class=\"asset-meta\"> <div class=\"vcard author\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&amp;blog_id=1&amp;id=633703\">JennyDB</a>        </div>				<div class=\"comment-date\"><a href=\"http://consumerist.com/2008/12/diy-id-theft-protection.html#comment-9520156\"><abbr class=\"published\" title=\"2008-12-17T02:57:56-05:00\">December 17, 2008  2:57 AM</abbr></a></div>				<div class=\"comment-moderate\"><span><a href=\"javascript:moderateComment(9520156);\">Moderate</a> |</span><a href='javascript:void(0)' onClick=\"return moderate(this, 'http://consumerist.com/cgi-bin/mt/plugins/Moderate/moderate.cgi?__mode=flag&comment_id=9520156');\">Flag for review</a></div>            </div>        </div><!-- end comment header -->        <div class=\"comment-content\">            <p><p>This article is a really great resource for DIY Identity Theft Protection. We did a similar article here: <a href=\"http://www.mailboss.net/lifelock-and-id-theft-protection/\" rel=\"nofollow\">[www.mailboss.net]</a></p><br /><p>This article REALLY misses one MAJOR POINT. It recommends investing in a cross-cut paper shredder to turn sensitive mail into confetti. The only problem is a shredder is no good by itself. Stay with me for a second:</p><br /><p>What good is it to shred the sensitive information you receive in your mail if it is not protected at the source? Are you really getting all of your sensitive mail? Would you know if you didn't? How long would it take you to figure this out?</p><br /><p>Mail theft is a crime of epidemic proportions, and a leading cause of identity theft. Traditional methods (mail theft, dumpster diving, stolen wallets, etc.) make up 79% of tactics used in identity theft, according to the 2008 Identity Fraud Report by Javelin Research. Without a secure locking mailbox, your mail is vulnerable to anyone walking by to simply walk by open it up and remove pre-approved credit card offers, bills with account numbers, checks, and more.</p><br /><p>A security locking mailbox is the first step in identity theft prevention. Consumers should know that not all locking mailboxes provide true security (for more info see www.mailboss.net/other-locking-mailboxes-part-i/)</p><br /><p>With a secure locking mailbox and a paper shredder, you significantly reduce your risk of becoming the next victim of identity theft. Investing in a security locking mailbox and a paper shredder, as well as following the steps provided above in this article, are fundamental elements to a comprehensive approach to identity theft prevention.</p></p>        </div>	<div class=\"reply\">	 <div class=\"reply-button\"><a title=\"Reply\" href=\"javascript:void(0);\" onclick=\"mtReplyCommentOnClick(9520156, 'JennyDB')\">Reply</a></div>		<!-- if it's a top level category ' -->		    </div><!-- end reply- button -->    </div></div>        <!-- Display comment (top level parent) -->    </div>");