Follow these Identity Theft Prevention Tips to minimize your risk of becoming a victim: - Carry only the identification information and the number of credit and debit cards that you'll actually need.
- Keep your personal information in your home secure, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having service work done in your home.
- Guard your Social Security Number. It can be used to open new accounts, credit cards, or even get a job in your name.
- Cancel unused credit card accounts.
- Don not carry your SSN card; leave it in a secure place.
- Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices, or other institutions that collect personally identifying information from you.
- Order your credit report and monitor it often.
- Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive.
- Buy a crosscut shredder. Shred all old bank and credit statements and credit card offers before throwing them in the trash.
- Make copies of the contents of your wallet - in case your wallet or purse is stolen.
- Do not leave mail with personal information in your mailbox.
- Never give your credit card number, social security number, or other personal information over the phone unless you trust that individual and/or business.
- Protect your personal information on your computer by installing a firewall and updating your virus protection.
- Do not print your Social Security or Driver's License number on you checks.
- Carefully examine the charges on your credit card and bank statements.
- Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts.
- Subscribe to an identity theft prevention service that will notify you whenever someone tries to assume your identity.
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