Checklist for Prevention

1. Protect your Social Security Number, credit card number, account passwords, PINs, and other personal information.  Don’t give information unless you initiate the contact with a person or company you know and trust.  Be careful of providing your SSN.  Ask why it is necessary. Do not leave receipts at the point of the transaction.

2. Minimize the damage in case your wallet or purse gets lost or stolen. Don’t carry your Social Security card around or have it preprinted on your checks.  Don’t write your PIN on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse.

3. Protect your incoming and outgoing mail.  Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.  Have it held at the post office or ask someone to collect it if you are going to be away.  Deposit outgoing mail in a mailbox or hand it to your mail carrier.  Don’t leave it in or on your mailbox.

4. Keep thieves from turning your trash into your cash.  Shred or tear into small pieces credit card applications, receipts, canceled checks, bank statements and other documents with your personal information on them.

5. Practice home security.  Safely store extra checks and credit cards. Be careful if you let workers into your home.  Take burglary precautions.

6. Pay attention to your bank account statements and credit card bills.  Contact the company promptly if you find an inaccuracy. Contact the company promptly if you do not receive your statement.

7. Review your credit report approximately once a year.  Verify that information reported is accurate. Look for who has received a copy of your credit report for anything suspicious.  Call Equifax at (800) 685-1111, Experian at (888) 397-3742, and Trans Union at (800) 888-4213.

8. Report any suspected fraud to your bank and credit card issuers immediately so they can start to close your accounts and clear your name right away.  By law, you will most likely be held to only $50 liability for unauthorized activity. However, the process of restoring your identity can be a tremendous inconvenience.