DUMPSTER DIVING Identity Thieves on the loose!

Since June 1, 2005 businesses have had to adhere to new FTC rules on destroying consumer records such as credit reports and financial data or face civil penalties.

The idea is to prevent "Dumpster diving" — in which criminals look through trash and discarded business files to obtain personal information on customers.

The rules apply to both large and small organizations that use consumer credit reports in business transactions.

Among those who must comply are banks, car dealers, employers, landlords and debt collectors.

"It’s been absolutely incredible, because we weren’t even here a few months ago — and now we have hundreds customers and more business than you can imagine, said Phil Kuhlenbeck, owner of Scrapitout.com a Computer Recycler and Data Destruction business in Austin, Texas.

"We show up at the business, haul off the hard drives or other storage media in a locked container or we can destroy it right on site. It doesn’t get easier than this."

Everyone is at risk for having their identities stolen — and if it happens, you could face serious financial consequences.

Get Free “Do It Yourself” Information on How To Prevent ID THEFT: www.scrapitout.com