Placing a security freeze on your credit file is
one way to prevent identity theft. Click
here for step-by-step instructions.
Other preventative measures
The best deterrent to this crime is to be vigilant about
your personal information:
Keep your personal information, including your
Social Security card, in a locked, secure place in your home.
Shred financial documents, credit card offers
and other paperwork.
Ask if you can use an alternative identifier
in place of using your Social Security number.
Do not give out any personal information over
the phone, internet or through the mail unless you are sure of
the requestor. Remember your bank, credit card company or government
agencies will not call you to ask for this information.
Do not click on links sent in unsolicited emails or
click on a message in an email that states: "If you can't read
this email, click here." Make good use of firewalls, anti-spy ware,
and anti-virus software to protect your home computer and keep them
up-to-date.
Check for secure websites before submitting
your personal information. A secure website will have an "s"
after the http in the browser address: https.
Make sure you have strong passwords - at least
eight characters including upper and lower case, numbers, and
symbols. Click
here for more strong password tips.
