How To Protect Yourself

Personal Information

    * Ask your bank, doctor's office, other businesses and your employer if they protect your personal information.
    * Never carry your Social Security card, Social Security number, birth certificate or passport unless necessary.
    * Do not put your address, telephone number or driver's license number on a credit card sales receipt.
    * Social Security numbers or phone numbers should not be put on checks.
    * Identifying information should not be given over the phone or the Internet to someone you do not know or on a cellular or cordless phone.
    * Shred all personal documents before placing them in the trash!
    * If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask for another number.

Financial Information

    * Get a copy of your credit report every year.
    * Keep your financial records out of sight. Burglars are just as interested in credit cards, bank accounts and investment statements as they are in your jewelry and other valuables.
    * Check monthly credit card statements for charges you did not make. If monthly statements do not arrive in the mail call the lender immediately.
    * Keep a list, in a safe place, of all credit cards and bank accounts including the account numbers, phone numbers and expiration dates. Check if your online purchase is processed on a secure server.
    * Shred financial or confidential information such as credit card pre-approvals, credit card receipts, etc.
    * If you have credit cards you do not use, store them in a safe place. Cancel the accounts if you will not use them again. Cut up old credit cards before discarding.
    * Carry only the credit cards you plan to use.
    * When you have applied for a new credit card, keep your eye on the mail and the calendar. If the card does not arrive within the appropriate time, call the credit card company.
    * Do not use your mother's maiden name as a password for accounts. Make one up.
    * Unless your mailbox is secure, mail payments at the post office and pick up new checks at your bank.
    * If you are not interested in pre-approved credit offers, opt-out using the telephone number in our resource section.