A recent article in the Times-Union was, unfortunately, telling the truth.
Identity theft is on the rise.
Personal information such as your driver's license number, Social security Number, credit card numbers and other pertinent information can literally be stolen from your mail box and from your contact with other people. Because of the advances in technology, much of this information is readily available via the Internet. Unquestionably, the Internet has made obtaining the information much easier however the majority of the information was already available through public records access. Shred any pre-approved credit applications that you don't want. Avoid providing or giving out your Social Security Number.