Protect Your Identity Tip Sheet

• Monitor your accounts regularly
  • Check your credit report at least once a year and make sure that there haven't been any unusual or fraudulent charges made.
• Be very careful when provide your information online.
  • Legitimate companies will not send unsolicited requests for personal information.
  • Make sure that you only give information of this type to a trusted business.
• Don't respond to unsolicited emails, links with emails, or pop-up ads
  • Identity thieves use spam, spyware, adware, pharming, and/or phishing techniques in order to acquire information from potential victims.
• Shred all documents that you plan to throw away
  • These documents include bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers, utility bills, and any other documentation with your social security or account numbers.
• Try not to keep too many credit cards if you don't use them regularly
  • It is more difficult to monitor your accounts if you have numerous credit card accounts that you are not using.
• Protect and store personal information at home
  • Make sure that you store your person data and files in a safe place that is inaccessible to visitors.
• Protect your mail
  • Send your bills, checks, or other personal correspondence from a secure location like your local post office.
  • Install a locking mailbox at your residence.  Identity thieves often obtain the information they need by intercepting mail in unlocked street mailboxes.
• Beware of "shoulder surfers."
  • Make sure that when you are filling out forms or inputting passwords that no one is looking over your shoulder. 
• Place a fraud alert on your credit.
  • This is the first line of defense if feel that you have had any of your personal information stolen.  Contact each of the bureaus for assistance.