1. Get a large downpayment. The most obvious way to be safe, and not always possible.

2. Get other security. If they want it with little down, and you like return you'll get, make it safe by putting a mortgage on other property buyer owns, to be released when they've paid down balance to a certain level.

3. Check their credit. Have them pay for and bring you a credit report. Bad credit may be okay, but type of bad credit is important. Unpaid hospital bills they're disputing are not as relevant as unpaid loans.

(c) Copyright 2003 by Ken Burnett

Here are...Ten Preventative Steps To Help Safeguard Against Identity Theft.

Guard against malicious thieves stealing your identity.

If you receive suspicious billings or items that you don't recognize. Call and investigate them right away with your provider. Try to head of any means of fraud before it can occur.

When you receive financial inquiries or solicitations in mail...DON'T just discard them in trash. Invest in a good crosscut shredder...Don't discard ANY mail solicitations, fianancial papers, bank statements, invoices, quoates, or any items that may contain information about you or your family members. Don't give would-be thieves an opportunity to gain access to your identity.

Don't give anyone your financial or private information over telephone unless you initiated original phone conversation and you can verify person or organization you're speaking to.

It's sad, but true in today's world. You must be very careful not offer ANYONE your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, or any private or financial information over phone without first properly identifying them. Get their contact phone and call back to verify. Also be careful not to be talking on a cordless or cellular phone....these are NOT secure devices. Anyone with a radio scanner may be able to monitor your conversation!

Protect your ATM cards, Personal Identication Numbers (P.I.N.) Guard against ANYONE gaining posession of of any ATM Cards, Charge Cards, and (PIN) Personal Identification Numbers.Check that they are always in your control. Keep account numbers, receipts, and contact information in a secure place that'seasily accessed by you in event that you identity information is breached.

Report any lost, stolen, or missing checks immediately to your bank. They can then arrange to block payment on specific check numbers in question. When you receive your checks in mail, always confirm that none are missing.