* Be sure to always destroy documents with credit card or personal information on them
* Be careful with your checks. Consider tactics to make it more difficult for someone else to forge your signature. Such as: using just your first initial(s) and last name in lieu of your full name.
* Secure your mail. Get a locking mailbox, and always take outgoing mail to a public drop-box. When you are traveling or away from home, have the post office hold your mail.
* Protect your Social Security Number. Do not carry your Social Security card with you, and be sure to remove the number from all insurance cards
* Be aware of your credit. Take advantage of websites such as annualcreditreport.com. Be sure to check your credit at least once per year
* Check your credit card statements. Confirm your charges are for the correct amount and location
* Clean out your wallet regularly. Don't keep old receipts or more multiple credit cards in your wallet. Make a copy of all your debit and credit cards to keep on file. You can also write "Ask for ID" on the back of your all of your credit cards so that anyone who uses the card will be asked to show their identification
* Choose passwords very wisely. Try to use a combination of numbers, lower and upper case letters and other characters to make it more difficult for an individual to hack your account
* Protect your passwords. Please try to refrain from writing down the password so no one will find it. Don't allow your browser to auto-fill passwords since these can be easily stolen. Be creative when creating a password.
* Beware of phonies. Phishing is when would-be identity thieves use a phony e-mail and/or web site to fool you into providing your credit card number, password or other information. Don't respond to these e-mails. Reputable companies won't ask for your information in this way
* Always be aware of your surroundings. ID thieves can write your numbers down quickly if you leave your card out while completing a purchase. With new technology and devices they have easy access to photographing or recording your information, without you noticing.
* Shop online with caution. Be sure you're using a secure site before entering credit card information on the Web. Use site addresses that begin with https rather than just http, and make sure you can find the locked padlock in your browser window
* Use anti-virus software always. Ensure that you are always running the most up-to-date anti-virus program on your computer
* Keep your PC clean. Use one of the powerful free spyware removers to make sure that no one is "looking over your shoulder"
* Don't respond to phony phone calls. Don't provide unknown callers with personal information
* Protect your computer files and e-mail accounts. Use a firewall when connecting to the Internet, and use all of the security features provided through your network. Don't send sensitive information via e-mail
