Tips on how to protect your identity
Never provide credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers or other personal financial information to unsolicited requests over the phone or by e-mail, even when solicitors say you’ve won a lottery or want you to deposit money owed to you.
Shred any financial information before throwing it out. This includes credit card receipts, ATM receipts, and pre-approved credit card offers you don’t intend to use.
Do periodic reviews of your credit report to make sure someone hasn’t been stealing your identity. Make sure to review reports from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. These credit bureaus are required by law to each give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. (Include hotlink to Resources section).
Order merchandise online only at secure sites and make online purchases with your credit card to limit your liability if you do not receive what you paid for.
Only carry necessary ID cards and limit the number of credit and debit cards. Don’t carry your Social Security card with you unless you need it that day.
If discarding a computer, use a “Wipe Utility Program” to erase everything from the hard drive. Deleting files isn’t enough.
Use only ATMs affiliated with banks or ATM networks you’re familiar with. End or cancel transactions if someone is standing too close. Be aware of your surroundings – especially at night.
Don’t wait until you get to the ATM machine and take your card out of your wallet – have it ready in your hand. If you are receiving money from the ATM, don’t count it until you get back to your car. If you are using a drive-up ATM, make sure all doors are locked and the passenger windows are rolled up.
If the ATM or card reader doesn’t look right for any reason, do not use it. Criminals have successfully replaced ATM and even grocery checkout card readers with their own.
Don’t use your deposit slips to write a note on and hand it to someone. Your deposit slips have personal information that you don’t want to share with anyone.
Think of your checks as being like money – you need to make sure that no one can steal your checks – keep them safely locked away when you aren’t using them.
Always write your checks in pen – never in pencil. When writing out the dollar amount on your check, draw a line to the far right, across the empty space so someone can’t fill in any numbers in the empty space. When writing the name of the person you’re giving the check to, make sure not to use abbreviations.
Monitor your regular mailbox – know your billing cycles and follow up with companies if you don’t receive your statements on time. A criminal could have filed for a change of address in your name and diverted your mail to them. Missing mail can be a clue that your identity has been stolen.
- Hold your mail. If you're traveling, don't let the mail pile up. Have the post office hold your mail until you return.
- Take advantage of free annual credit reports. Credit reports contain information about your accounts and your bill paying history. Major nationwide consumer reporting companies are legally required to provide free copies of your credit reports. Review them carefully for accuracy.