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Guide to credit card offers: The meaning of 'pre-approved' – and other mysteries

Credit-card companies often say you are "pre-approved," "pre-screened," "pre-qualified," or "pre-selected" to receive their credit card. Here is a guide to sorting through credit-card offers:

3. What about identity theft?

Pat Sullivan/AP/File
In this October 2012, file photo, Houston school teacher Candida Gutierrez talks in Houston about the frustration of having her identity stolen several years ago. Identity thieves search through trash for credit-card offers, so make sure to shred those offers before you throw them away.

  • By Daniel I. Tulbovich Contributor

Most victims of identity theft do not know how identity thieves got their information, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Two of the most common sources of personal information for thieves are a victim’s trash and mailbox. Because of this, any mail that you receive that has personal information on it should be shredded – not simply thrown away. This is especially important with credit-card offers. Identity thieves can easily complete the application and get the card under your name.

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