Publications - Identity Theft

Getting Informed on Identity Theft • Warning Signs   • How To Protect Yourself • What To Do If You Are A Victim • Additional Resources • Additional Steps • Report identity theft online • Read other CFA publications

How To Protect Yourself

Personal Information

• Ask your bank, doctor's office, other businesses and your employer if they protect your personal information.

• Never carry your Social Security card, Social Security number, birth certificate or passport unless necessary.

• Do not put your address, telephone number or driver's license number on a credit card sales receipt.

• Social Security numbers or phone numbers should not be put on checks.

• Identifying information should not be given over the phone or the Internet to someone you do not know or on a cellular or cordless phone.

• Shred all personal documents before placing them in the trash!

• If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask for another number.

Financial Information

• Get a copy of your credit report every year.

• Keep your financial records out of sight. Burglars are just as interested in credit cards, bank accounts and investment statements as they are in your jewelry and other valuables.

• Check monthly credit card statements for charges you did not make. If monthly statements do not arrive in the mail call the lender immediately.

• Keep a list, in a safe place, of all credit cards and bank accounts including the account numbers, phone numbers and expiration dates. Check if your online purchase is processed on a secure server.

• Shred financial or confidential information such as credit card pre-approvals, credit card receipts, etc.

• If you have credit cards you do not use, store them in a safe place. Cancel the accounts if you will not use them again. Cut up old credit cards before discarding.

• Carry only the credit cards you plan to use.

• When you have applied for a new credit card, keep your eye on the mail and the calendar. If the card does not arrive within the appropriate time, call the credit card company.

• Do not use your mother's maiden name as a password for accounts. Make one up.

• Unless your mailbox is secure, mail payments at the post office and pick up new checks at your bank.

• If you are not interested in pre-approved credit offers, opt-out using the telephone number in our resource section.