Minimize Your Risk of Becoming a Victim

• Place passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts.
• Secure personal information in your home. If possible, use a safety deposit box at your bank to store personal information.
• Shred all documents that contain personal information before putting them in the trash.
• Do not leave your purse, wallet, or anything else containing personal information unsecured. Do not set them down in public areas and never leave them in an unoccupied vehicle.
• Place bills you are sending out in a secure postal collection box rather than in your mailbox at home.
• Collect your personal mail promptly. Stop your mail if you are going to be out of town.
• Consider paying your bills online.
• Do not distribute personal information over the Internet unless you are confident that the Internet site is secure.
• Never give out personal information over the phone. Request a number from any agency requesting your information, verify the number, and then call them back.
• Find out how your personal information will be shared before giving it to anyone.
• Monitor your bank statements closely.
• Opt out of, or remove your name from marketing or promotional lists maintained by credit bureaus, direct marketers, and other organizations with which you have a relationship. Call 1-888-5OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) for more information.
• Ask about information security procedures in your workplace.
• When asked for your social security number ask why do you need it, how it will be used, and if you are required to supply it?
• Do not print your social security number, phone number or middle name on personal checks.