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1. Cross shred all paperwork that contains any personal information.
2. Do not carry any more personal information with you than necessary.
3. Close out unused or little used credit cards. You can opt out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 888-567-8688.
4. Photocopy the contents of the cards you must carry (both sides) and the phone numbers you need to cancel them. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
5. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box USE it for your address or have your work address printed on your checks.
6. Never put your Social Security number on a check.
7. Sign the back of your credit card and write "REQUEST PHOTO ID" in permanent marker
8. When paying a credit card bill by check, on the FOR line, use only the last 4 digits of the card number. Your credit card company knows the rest of the number.
9. Do not reveal your SS# to anyone without first asking:
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How will it be used?
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What law requires me to give you my SS#?
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What will happen if I don't give it to you?
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Often people don't need the SS# but request it to put your name on lists for other businesses that want it.
10. Create passwords and PINS that are difficult to guess. Mother's maiden name is easily accessed on the web.
11. Sign your checks with a GEL pen to avoid "check washing".
12. Never give out personal information on the phone to unsolicited callers who say they represent your financial institution or creditor. Get their name, location and phone number. Return their call, if
necessary, by using the phone number on your billing statement.
13. Beware of phone callers who pose as law enforcement officers. Return the call to verify legitimacy.
14. Watch your credit card when doing a transaction. "Scimming" cards by using a hand held device is a major cause of 'credit card' theft.
15. Credit cards are safer to use than debit cards.
16. Review bank statements, credit card and phone bills promptly.
17. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement once a year.
18. Check your medical file yearly to see if there was any activity you weren't aware of.
19. Follow up with creditors if bills do not arrive. Someone could have changed your address.
20. Do not use residential mailboxes for outgoing mail.
21. Incoming mail should be sent to a PO Box if you cannot retrieve it immediately or purchase a mailbox with a lock system.
22. Complete and return Privacy Notices that are mailed to you by banking institutions and credit card
companies. If you do not return them you have given them permission to give your personal information to a host of affiliates and non-affiliates.
23. Relatives and friends are often the perpetrators. Keep your personal information secure in your home and workplace.
24. When having work done on your car or in your home keep personal information out of sight.
25. Delete the information on lap tops, computers, blackberries and cell phones prior to disposing of them
according to the manufacturer's directions.
26. Computer protection
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Update your virus protection software regularly. Some viruses can actually hijack your modem enabling your computer to send out stored information.
27. Protect yourself and your family with a "Wall of Security". Enroll in A Life Events Legal Plan and Identity Theft Monitoring Service and "Restoration Service".
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