Identity Theft Prevention Tips
Don't carry your social security card!
If you have your social security number on your driver's license, go to the Department of Motor Vehicle and have it removed. There is a small fee.
Don't carry your health insurance card unless you need it for that particular day!.
Don't carry your check book. Carry only the checks you know you will write that day!
Don't carry any cards with your social security number on them such as; military dependent card, Medicare card, etc. Take them out of your "hiding place", only when you will use them that day.
Carry only one credit card and one debit card on your person!
Pick up your mail promptly!
Don't put bills with checks in your mail box! Use the blue U.S. Postal mail boxes.
Buy a cross cut shredder. Shred everything you receive in the mail after you are done with the document, this includes magazine labels or anything with a bar code!
If you receive any phone call or e-mail requesting any personal information, hang up the phone! Your account holders, banks, and credit card companies have this information and would never request it.
Don't give out any personal information to anyone through the internet, unless you initiate the contact!
Check your credit card and bank statements carefully for discrepancies, on line, daily, if possible. If reviewing written statements, shred them!
When ordering any product over the phone or internet, use your credit card, not your debit card. The debit card is your bank account!