Safeguard your personal information

Do not routinely carry your social security card or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.

Only carry the credit cards you use regularly.

Cancel credit cards that you do not use.

Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through mail, or over the internet unless you are sure you know who you are dealing with.

Don’t give your social security number unless absolutely necessary.

Keep a list of all of your credit cards and bank accounts and it keep it in a secure place.

Closely review all credit card and bank statements to detect unusual activity or unauthorized charges.

Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office instead of an unsecured mailbox.

Remove mail promptly from your mailbox.

If you will be away from home and can’t pick up your mail, call the U.S. Postal Office at 1-800-275-8777 or ask for a vacation hold.

Destroy all credit card and ATM receipts.

Monitor your credit reports to make sure there is no unauthorized credit activity in your name.