Top 10 Dos for Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
Eyeball your credit. Check your credit report for fraudulent activity at least once a year. You can receive free copies of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Keep those numbers to yourself. Keep your Social Security number and phone numbers off your checks and make sure your driver's license number is not your Social Security number.
Ready, set, shred. Shred all personal documents before placing them in the trash - even those unsolicited credit card applications.
Send it safely. If your home mailbox does not lock, take the extra time to find a postal service mailbox to use for your outgoing mail.
Scrutinize your statements. Compare your ATM receipts and cashed checks with your bank statements to check for unauthorized transfers or charges, and check your credit card statement every month for charges you may not recognize.
Complicate your PIN. Choose a Personal Identification Number (PIN) different from your address, telephone number, middle name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your birthdate, or any other easily identified number combination.
Exercise your memory. Memorize your PIN. Do not write it on your ATM card or keep it written on a piece of paper somewhere in your wallet.
Just say no. Call (888) 5OPT-OUT or visit www.optoutprescreen.com to have your name removed from the marketing lists sold by the three credit bureaus for two years.
Travel light. Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry in your wallet or purse.
Be a pest. Contact your credit card company or financial institution if a monthly statement does not arrive when it should.
Top 10 Dos for Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
