| How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft | | | | information by a bill collector ask them to mail or fax |
| While there is no guaranteed way to stop identity theft, | | | | you a form so you can confirm the info. |
| there is however 10 steps you can take to minimize | | | | 5. Change passwords on accounts at different |
| your risk. Everyday there are more cases of identity | | | | intervals. |
| theft reported, many of them could have been | | | | 6. Never respond to financial emails unless you initiated |
| avoided by following these simple steps. | | | | the contact. Many times "real" looking emails come to |
| 1. Shred everything! Do not discard anything that has | | | | your inbox but it is someone trying to gain access to |
| personal information. This includes your utility bills, offers | | | | your accounts. |
| for credit in the mail and any type of financial | | | | 7. Never carry your social security card with you. In the |
| statements you receive. Don't forget medical bills and | | | | event that your wallet or purse is stolen, this opens |
| records. These statements have a lot of personal | | | | many id theft opportunities. |
| information on them that can be used to assume your | | | | 8. Report all stolen credit cards or forms of identity to |
| identity. | | | | the issuing companies and the police. It is imperative |
| 2. Never write your pin numbers on the back of your | | | | that you obtain a police report incase you need to |
| credit/debit cards. Also, carry your cards separately | | | | dispute charges or false accounts. |
| from your drivers license in your wallet/ purse. | | | | 9. Regularly review your credit report. Your credit |
| 3. Only complete financial transactions online with | | | | report can be your number one tool in fighting identity |
| companies that have secure servers. https: or | | | | theft |
| http.secure// is how you can tell if the server is safe. | | | | 10. Watch your mail. Report opened mail to the Post |
| 4. Never disclose personal information over the | | | | Office. Any signs of tampering can lead to identity |
| telephone to anyone, regardless of how harmless it | | | | theft. |
| may seem. If you are being asked to verify personal | | | | |