How to Prevent Identity Theft

Some simple precautions, as well as the ability to spot trouble when it starts, may help you keep someone else from cashing in on your identity.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Credit Reports
• Paper Shredders

1. Be extremely protective of your PIN numbers, especially at ATMs. Try to memorize your PIN number, but if you have to write it down, don't write it on your ATM card or leave it in your wallet or purse.

2. Change passwords often.

3. Remove mail from your mailbox promptly. If you suddenly stop receiving mail, call the post office immediately. Crooks can forge your signature to have your mail forwarded elsewhere, then obtain information that will allow them to apply for credit in your name.

4. Refuse to give your credit card number or other personal information to an unsolicited caller.

5. Tear up or shred credit card receipts, unused loan applications and any other items with personal information before throwing them into the trash. Thieves often go through garbage.

6. Obtain a copy of your credit report regularly to check for fraudulent accounts and other information. Report all errors to the credit bureau.

7. Report stolen credit cards immediately.

8. Take the time to carefully review all of your bank and credit card statements and other bills. Report any inconsistencies at once.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find out that a forwarding order has been placed on your mail without your knowledge, go to the post office to check the signature and cancel the order. Ask the post office to track down the mail - it can remain in the postal system for up to 14 days.

• Call the U.S. Postal Service Crime Hot Line (800/654-8896) if you are victimized by mail fraud.

• To put a fraud alert on your credit file, contact the credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Any future credit applications will have to be confirmed with you over the phone.

• If Grandma dies, do not toss out her unused checks or other personal documents. Thieves even steal the identities of dead people and wipe out accounts.