Stolen identity? $6... Using someone else's MasterCard for that plasma TV? Priceless...

According to a recent article, it looks like stolen identity information, from accounts and passwords, to social security numbers and full credit card numbers are available for $6 to $18 a pop.

A few posts ago I talked about the concept of pay-to-protect. With stolen identity information being offered so cheap, is it only a matter of time before people DO start to pay-to-protect?

Some businesses offer services -- such as ID theft insurance, credit monitoring, credit restoration and credit card insurance -- but most experts agree that with careful planning and organization, you can get the same results for free.

An interesting follow up article talks about how to better protect yourself from identity theft for free. Some very good pointers.

I followed the advice of an article in the News a few months ago to stop getting those pesky "pre-approved" financing offers and credit card applications. While the News archive has the article offline now, here's what we did to stop the mailings.

Contact the credit bureaus to opt out of receiving preapproved credit offers for two years. Just call the toll-free number 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688). You'll be asked for your personal information, including your name and Social Security number. The article states, "Don't worry - it's completely confidential and safe."

You should also notify the three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - directly. Let them know that you don't want your name or other personal information shared with others for promotional purposes.

You can also opt out of direct-mail marketing from many national companies for five years by registering with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) at www.dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html.

Taking these steps had an IMMEDIATE and DRAMATIC effect on the amount of junk mail we got at home. I have to think that it improves my odds of being a little bit safer (and maybe save a few trees in the process? ;-) )