Preventing Identity Theft

  Unfortunately, it's not possible to prevent identity theft and credit fraud entirely. However, by managing your personal information carefully, and with a full understanding of its importance, you can substantially reduce the likelihood that it will happen to you.

  Identity thieves have high and low tech ways of stealing your personal information. They can search through your trash or hack into your personal computer. Here are a few examples of items identity thieves look for:

• Your wallet or purse—containing ID, credit cards, debit cards
  Bank statements or receipts
  Mail—credit card statements, checks, tax information and pre-approved credit card offers
  Personal information from your home or home computer
  Files from offices where you are a customer, employee, patient or student

Manage your Information Wisely

  Do not reveal personal information unless you know how it will be used and if it will be shared with others.If bills don't arrive on time, contact your creditors. A missing bill could mean you've been a victim of mail theft.

  Deposit outgoing mail in postal collection boxes or at the post office. If you can't pick up your mail, contact the post office and have your mail held until you can pick it up. Do not use obvious passwords or Personal Identification Numbers on your various accounts. These include your birth date, mother's maiden name or consecutive numbers.

  Minimize the number of credit cards you carry. If you apply for a new credit card and it doesn't arrive in a reasonable period, contact the issuer. When you receive a new credit card, sign it in permanent ink and activate it immediately.

  Do not give out personal information over the phone, on the Internet or through the mail unless you have initiated the contact or know exactly who you are dealing with. Make sure Internet sites that you share information with are secure and have a privacy policy.

  Shred all charge receipts, credit applications and other statements before throwing them away.
Do not carry your Social Security Card or Personal Identification Numbers with you.

  Safeguard personal information in your home especially if you are having service work done in your home, employ outside help or have a roommate.

  Find out who has access to your information at work. Be sure to verify that records are kept in a secure location, and are accessible only to employees who have a legitimate reason to access it.