In a message dated 10/22/2006 3:13:15 PM Central Daylight Time, jreck@ecenet.com writes: I wonder personally if there are any statistics available indicating the source of information that identity thieves, stalkers, and other miscellaneous ilk have used to gather the information they use. Bet there is more information available through our medical records, credit cards, telephone company records etc. that thousands and millions of people have access to and we don't give one thought to that as being a source to be concerned about . . . or that is most people don't, they consider it part of doing business daily!! >From what I understand, the highest incidence of identity theft/fraud comes from improperly disposed of carbons (notice they have all but disappeared), people not taking care of their purses and wallets and losing them (having them lifted or the cards and Ids from them lifted). Improperly disposed of records, medical, dental, bank, utility, etc. I have noticed lately that alot of banks have shredders handy for disposal of stuff now. So does my doctor's office, my dentist's office and insurance man's office. I personally shred every piece of mail that comes into my house with my name and address on it. Take a look, even some junk mail has that info on it. Bank statements and the checks that come with them are another source. Credit offers for cards or loans will have cards with info on them that can be used. And people do go thru neighborhoods on trash nite and go thru it. I worked weird hours before I retired and saw them. Have seen them go thru at times since I have retired also. Have noticed they do not do so as much anymore since I put up sensor lights in front and back and many of my neighbors followed suit. However, I still feel better that my birth info has been removed as well as that of my kids and grandkids. Annie in Minnesota