Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission. Annually millions of U.S. residents, 16 years of age and over, suffer direct and indirect losses from identity theft.  Here are a few easy tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim:

• Shred financial documents containing personal information after they are no longer needed
• Carry only necessary documents and cards in your wallet or purse. Refrain from carrying your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport except when needed.
• Keep personal information in a secured place at home. Be particularly cautious if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having work done in your home
• Guard mail from theft, consider a locking mailbox
• Beware of unsolicited email, texts or phone messages asking for personal information
• Obtain and review a copy of your credit report at least once a year
• Opt out from pre-screened credit card offers, national direct mailing lists and telemarketing lists
• Take proper precautions if you access or use financial information online. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software on computers. Create strong passwords and use different passwords for each account.