Ten Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
Here's a list of preventative measures you can take to avoid identity theft. Check off those you already do and then see how you can better protect yourself.
- NEVER give out your personal information on the telephone, through the mail or over the Internet... UNLESS you initiated the call.
- Shred all documents, including statements, receipts and canceled checks imprinted with your account numbers and/or your SSN. Shred all credit card applications that you do not plan to use before tossing them away. Thieves will rummage though garbage to find account information or pre-approved credit offers.
- Cancel unused credit cards. Since the account number is still valid, merely destroying your card is not enough.
- Retrieve mail from your mailbox as soon after delivery as you can, and deposit outgoing mail, particularly bill payments, in a U.S. Postal Service collection box.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards and ATM/check cards immediately.
- Check credit card and account statements for unauthorized purchases and report them immediately.
- When choosing a PIN or password to access your accounts, do not use obvious choices, such as your birth date, mother's maiden name or telephone number. Never write them down... instead, memorize your PINs and passwords.
- Do not carry in a wallet or purse your social security card, passport, birth certificate or any other documents that may contain personal information, unless absolutely necessary.
- Be careful where you store personal information in your home or office. Place documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, in a home safe or safety deposit box at your financial institution.
- Check your credit report once a year for fraud or inaccuracies. Contact:
Equifax, 800 685-1111
Experian, 888 397-3742, or
TransUnion, 800 888-4213.
For more information on identity theft, check out the following resources:
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