Do not give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with and you initiated the contact.

Do not carry your social security card on yourself and keep it in a secure location.

Do not carry other cards that have your social security number on them.

Keep all personal information at home secured, especially if you have roommates.

Check monthly credit card statements carefully.

If you go on vacation have your mail held.

Shred all receipts, bills, and any other documents with personal information or account numbers. Do not place them in the garbage.

Do not carry credit cards you do not use regularly.

Request copies of your credit report once a year and carefully check them for any discrepancies.

Do not have checks mail to your house. Pick them up at the bank.