Your Money

By Daniel Eisenberg

KEEP A SECRET IDENTITY

It's hard to keep track of all the user names, passwords and other IDs required in the information age. But more Americans are discovering that it can be costly to lose control of these and other bits of personal data. Incidents of identity fraud are on the rise, with criminals stealing credit-card and Social Security numbers to rack up $750 million in charges in 1997, the General Accounting Office reported last week. The House and Senate are working on bills to stamp out the crime. In the meantime, check your credit report and disclose vital statistics only if absolutely necessary.

TRIBE THROWS A WILD PITCH

The Cleveland Indians have sold out every home game for three years in a wonderful new ballpark, and are postseason mainstays. Yet the baseball team is only marginally profitable. This week, with no place to go but down, the club will offer stock to the public for $15 a share. Rabid fans may want the stock, but others should take a pass.

TAX-SMART CHARITY GIFTS

Americans seem happy to share their wealth: they gave $143 billion to charities in 1997, up 7% from 1996, according to figures out last week. Religious and health groups got the most. Tip: instead of cash, donate appreciated stock, which you can deduct at market value without paying capital-gains tax.

--By Daniel Eisenberg