Dear Mary: We have been time share owners for more than 25 years. For the most part, we have been satisfied. Recently, we have been getting inquiries to sell our time share. In the short term, we do not intend to sell. However, we realize that there could come a time when we no longer wish to own it. Are these offers legitimate? — Gary, Illinois

Dear Gary: Selling a time share is difficult during the best of times. In this recessionary economy, it is almost impossible. I have a feeling you've been approached by time share scam artists.

Generally, these unsolicited offers to purchase go something like this: The caller has a buyer who's ready to buy right now, with no risk to you. Soon enough, you learn that the deal comes with a catch. The caller explains that you need to send thousands of dollars to complete the deal, a kind of "good faith deposit." You send money through a wire service, and you're assured that if something were to go wrong, you'd get your money back.

If you fall for this unsolicited inquiry, you not only will not sell your time share but also can kiss your money goodbye. The big red flag on a time share resale is the requirement for the seller to pay an upfront fee. If you have that company's name, call your local Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general to see whether they have files on the company.

Dear Mary: I recently read your answer to Thomas W. of Illinois about when you should and should not give someone your Social Security number. Great advice! Is there a way to check your Social Security number to find out whether someone else might be using it? I've heard horror stories about identity theft. I wonder whether someone could be using my number or my child's number. — Linda M., California

Dear Linda: To discover whether someone else is using your number to get credit, check your credit report often. You can get three free copies each calendar year (one each from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) at http://www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Stagger them so you are reviewing one every four months.

Order credit reports for your children three times a year, as well. Your requests should come back as "no file established" or something to that effect. That's the response you want. If, however, you find an active credit report, then someone has used the child's number to open an account. Immediately report fraudulent activity with all three of the credit bureaus to track down the perpetrator.

To discover whether someone is using your number to earn wages, make sure you check your Social Security statement each year. You should get a copy annually, about 90 days before your birthday. It is also available to you anytime online, at http://www.ssa.gov. Verify your wages. If you see income recorded that is not yours, someone has gone to work with your identity. Follow the instructions given to report and remove fraudulent information.

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at [email protected], or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.