Identity theft can happen to anyone, especially with the growing number of ways we use our personal information. This page will give you some easy ways to prevent and detect identity theft.
Only carry the personal information you need with you – this includes your Social Security card, your passport, and your checkbook.
When choosing passwords and PIN numbers, dont use predictable numbers like your Social Security number, or anything else easily detectable (pet's name, mother's maiden name, etc.) Predators of identity theft are often acquaintances of the victim – so don't make it easier for them to steal your identity!
If you are expecting a new credit card, driver's license, or other sensitive material, watch the mail closely and contact the issuer immediately if it does not arrive when expected.
Do not give out your credit card number over the phone unless you have an existing business relationship with the company and you initated the call.
Make sure your account number doesn't appear in full on your receipts. If it does, shred it before throwing it away.
Give your Social Security number out only when absolutely necessary.
Request that look-up companies remove your information from their databases. Contact Lexis-Nexis at (800) 227-9597 and Information America, Inc. at (800) 235-4008.
Install a firewall on your computer to keep Internet hackers from accessing your data.
Do not send confidential information over e-mail and never respond to e-mail requests for such information.
Visiting online directories, like the following, and remove yourself from them (directions in parentheses):