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Protect yourself
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You can reduce your risk and safeguard your identifying information by following some simple guidelines.
- Protect your mailbox: Your mailbox if a favorite target of identity thieves, so it is important to always
remove your mail as soon after delivery as possible. Also, deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes
or at your local post office to lower the risk of identity theft happening to you.
- Protect your wallet:Identity thieves also try to get access to people's wallets. Minimize
your risk by keeping items with personal information in a safe place at home. Don't carry your Social
Security card in your wallet or purse. Memorize your Social Security number and never write it down
on anything you carry. Identity thieves look for information on old receipts. Don't leave receipts at ATM's,
bank counters, or gasoline pumps. In fact, it is a good idea to destroy all of your receipts when you no
longer need them.
- Protect your credit and debit cards:These are some very important precautions to take
with your credit card. Whenever you receive a new credit card, sign it immediately. Never loan your
credit card to anyone, under any circumstances. Notify your bank and other issuers when you change
your address or phone number and be sure to report all lost or stolen cards immediately. Never put your
account number on the outside of any envelope.
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