Make your identity useless to thieves

David Simons reports in Forbes.com about a little known feature offered by the three major credit bureaus.

The three major credit reporting bureaus--Equifax, Experian and Trans Union -- allow you to place on your credit files a notice telling prospective creditors to confirm with you by phone applications for new credit made in your name. You'll know immediately if there's been identity theft; and imposters will likely move on to easier targets. The credit reporting bureaus don't make clear that you don't have to actually be a victim to have an alert added to your file at no charge. The alert is only for verifying new applications; not using existing credit.