·         Do not recycle paper that contains personal information.  Paper recycling centers and garbage bins are sources of information for identity thieves.

·        Use a shredder to destroy checks, credit card offers, convenience checks and other documents containing your name, bank account numbers and other personal information.   Shredders are affordable and readily available. Thoroughly destroy expired credit cards. Credit cards cut into only a couple of pieces may still work, or the numbers may still be used. 

·        Use a locking mailbox for incoming mail.  Take outgoing mail to the post office or drop it in a US Postal box.

·        Regularly review your credit and bank account statements for any transactions you did not make.

·        To reduce credit offers in the mail, contact the three major credit reporting bureaus and have your credit marked for NO SOLICITATION. The list of the Bureaus is included at the bottom of this document.

·        Request copies of your credit report at least once a year, more frequently if you suspect someone else may be using your identity.  Look for any accounts you did not open.  Immediately contact the three major bureaus.

·         Do not leave wallets, purses, checks unsecured – especially in a vehicle or unlocked gym locker.  These are common targets for identity thieves

·         Carry only the credit cards you need.  Don’t keep your credit cards or ATM card and PIN number with your card.  Don’t use numbers for your PIN such as your birth date, phone number or social security number that could be guessed by an identity thief.

·        In offices and at work, don’t leave purses unsecured.  Sometimes thieves will enter offices looking for purses in common places like under desks or in drawers.

·        Don’t give personal information to phone solicitors such as your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card number, social security number, bank information; except to someone you know or an established firm.  Remember if a deal sounds to good to be true it probably is!