Before you reveal any personal identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others. Ask if you can choose to have it kept confidential.
Cancel unused credit cards. Check all credit card state-ments immediately for unauthorized purchases. Have your name removed from lists sold to companies offering pre-approved credit cards.
Do not carry your social security card, passport or birth certificate with you except when necessary.
Collect your mail every day and place a hold on your mail when you will be on vacation or away from home. Shred all credit card receipts, solicitations, cancelled checks and other financial documents before throwing away. Protect your mail from theft by installing a locked mailbox at your residence, and do not leave paid bills in your mailbox for pickup.
Check your credit reports at least once a year. You can obtain these free once a year at: https://https//www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Check on-line bank accounts frequently.
Request your name be removed from lists of direct mail and telephone marketers.
Pay attention to billing cycles. Contact creditors if bills do not arrive on time.
Make sure you are using a secure site when ordering merchandise over the internet. Most websites use encryption to protect your information, look for a lock symbol or https in the address bar of the website.
Create strong passwords and turn on two-factor authenti-cation when available. Make sure your computer and phone operating systems are up to date.
Please visit https://www.ftc.gov/ to view more ways of protecting yourself from identity theft and other steps you can take for online security.