Things You'll Need:
- Paper shredder
- Credit reports
- Safe
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Step 1
Check your credit report annually for inaccuracies. The 3 major credit bureaus now offer a free annual report to anyone who inquires.
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Step 2
Shred all documents that contain personal or financial information before throwing them away. Pre-approved credit card offers can place you especially at risk.
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Step 3
Stay aware of your surroundings whenever making a transaction using a credit card. Many identity thieves "shoulder-surf" to obtain your credit card information.
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Step 4
Create passwords that do not contain easily known information about you, such as your date of birth. Many victims of identity fraud later find out that the perpetrators were friends or family.
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Step 5
Protect your personal information, such as your address, financial information and other contact information. Do not give this information out over the telephone or over email unless you know the person on the receiving end.
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Step 6
Place your personal documents in a secure location in your home, such as an electronic safe, where only you can retrieve them. Do not carry documents like your Social Security card with you in your wallet.
