Protect Yourself

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft

• Don't just cut up unused credit cards, call the company that issued the credit card, cancel the account then shred the credit card.
• Only carry one or two credit cards with you, and NEVER carry your Social Security card.
• Never write your passwords or personal identification numbers (pin) on your credit card or in your checkbook.
• Shred all credit card receipts, cancelled checks and all other financial information.
• Call your credit card carrier if your credit card has expired and you haven't gotten a new card.
• Review credit card statements as soon as they are received and report any unauthorized purchases to the company.
• Consider opting-out of pre-approved offers by requesting your name be removed from lists sold to companies offering pre-approved cards. The national credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables consumers to opt-out of all pre-approved credit offers with just one phone call. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) for more information.
• Check credit card statements and report any unauthorized purchases.
• Have your name removed from lists sold to companies offering pre-approved cards.
• Never allow a clerk to write your credit card numbers on a check.
• Don't give out your Social Security number over the phone or write it down as identification on checks
• Install a locked mailbox at your residence.
• Do not leave outgoing bills in your mail box for the mailman to pick up.
• Place passwords on all credit, bank and phone accounts; using information only you would know and do not share or write down those passwords.
• Never leave purses, wallets, money, computers or GPS systems in plain sight in an unoccupied vehicle.