| You can help protect yourself from identity theft if you | | | | Consider switching to online statements because you |
| have the right tools and tips. You need to make sure | | | | can get updates at anytime and can catch |
| that you have all the right information so that you are | | | | discrepancies or fraudulent activities sooner, before the |
| not unknowingly putting yourself at risk for identity theft. | | | | damage becomes devastating. |
| You must be attentive, careful, and realize what | | | | * Scrutinize your financial statements. Balance your |
| actions must be taken to protect yourself and your | | | | accounts. Make sure all transactions are ones you |
| credit score as well. | | | | actually made or authorized. Report any suspicious |
| Here are some important tips to help reduce your | | | | activity immediately. |
| identity theft risk. You may not be able to completely | | | | * Keep or shred your ATM and debit card receipts. |
| protect your good name from some stranger targeting | | | | Don't leave them behind in the ATM machine or in the |
| you for identity theft, but you can lessen the chances. | | | | trash. |
| Make habits of the following suggestions to help keep | | | | * Shred every piece of mail you discard that contains |
| yourself safe. | | | | any kind of personal or financial information. |
| * Shred and destroy all unwanted documents like junk | | | | Using these tips can help to protect you against fraud. |
| mail and outdated personal information. | | | | For more comprehensive information get the free |
| * Bring your mail in daily and do not leave it in your | | | | Identity Theft Protection Checklist. |
| mailbox. Even a locked mailbox can be easily broken | | | | You need to be aware of your credit history and of |
| into. Locks only keep out honest people. | | | | your current credit standing. If you are confused about |
| * Report any lost or stolen credit cards or any | | | | anything on the reports or have questions you should |
| suspicious activity on your credit cards or lines of | | | | take them up with the respective financial institution |
| credit. | | | | and their advisers. |
| * Review and check your consumer credit reports on | | | | When you are aware of what could happen and take |
| a regular basis. You want to watch for anything that is | | | | the precautions ahead of time, you are protecting |
| not right on those reports. You can dispute anything to | | | | yourself and your good credit. Once you are a victim |
| make sure that it is a legitimate charge that you made | | | | of identity theft, it is hard to rebuild the credit that you |
| on the account. Also, make sure all of the accounts | | | | once had. You will suffer in many ways as a result of |
| are really yours. | | | | being victimized. |
| * Do not carry your social security card or numbers on | | | | Identity theft prevention is much better than trying to |
| you. You should keep this along with your birth | | | | repair the damage after the fact! There is no reason |
| certificate and passport in a safe place at home or in | | | | to sit back and let your reputation be ruined by |
| a safety deposit box. | | | | someone taking advantage of you by committing |
| * Check all monthly financial statements of any kind | | | | identity theft. |
| every time you get one. This includes bank accounts, | | | | Stay safe. Prevention is MUCH better than recovery! |
| credit cards, investments, mortgages, and loans. | | | | |