10 Steps to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

1. Cancel unused credit cards (cutting them up is not enough).
2. Don't carry your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate with you, except when necessary.
3. Shred all credit card receipts and solicitations, canceled checks and financial documents before throwing away.
4. Check your credit card statements and immediately report unauthorized purchases.
5. Don't give out your Social Security number, mother's maiden name, or any account information over the phone, unless you are sure the caller is legitimate. Adopt a "need to know" approach to your personal data.
6. Order credit reports once a year from one of the credit-reporting agencies: Equifax 800-525-6285; Experian 800-301-7195; Trans Union 800-680-7289. Report any accounts you did not apply for.
7. Have your name removed from lists sold to companies offering pre-approved credit cards by calling one of the credit agencies above.
8. Never include your Social Security number on personal checks and only release your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. If a business requests it for identification, ask to have an alternative number used.
9. Never write down PINs and passwords: memorize them. Do not use any part of your Social Security number, your name or any easy to guess words or sequences.
10. Install a locked mailbox at your residence.