How can I protect myself from identity theft?
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Use passwords on all accounts and your PC that are difficult to guess…don’t use the same password for everything.
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Don’t use passwords that relate to family names, birth dates, your SSN, addresses or your job.
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Change your passwords frequently.
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Do not keep passwords on your person and don’t write them on your debit/ATM Cards, or on notes attached to your computer or desk.
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Never lend your password to anyone.
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Don’t give private information to anyone unless you are positive who the person is and that they have a legitimate need to know.
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Shred or tear up your charge receipts, credit card solicitations, expired cards, statements, check, outdated documents and other sensitive personal information.
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Carry only the identification and bank/credit cards you actually need.
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Review your monthly statement promptly.
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Secure confidential information at home.
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Call your credit card company immediately if your new card has not arrived.
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Destroy and cancel old, unwanted or unused credit cards. Cutting them up is not enough.
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Guard your mail.
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Be absolutely positive of the identity of anyone telephoning or e-mailing you to request personal information.
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Be especially cautious of anyone claiming to be a bank or law enforcement official. Arrange to call the person, using a phone number you can verify in the phone book.
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Do not give out personal data over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact.
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Periodically check your credit report to see if there are loans or credit cards outstanding that you don’t know about.
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Guard your Social Security Number. Never carry it in your wallet or write it on checks.
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Give your Social Security Number only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other identifiers when possible.
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Be careful of who is around you at ATMs. “Shoulder surfers” can get your PIN number and gain access to your account.
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Do not allow your credit card out of your sight when paying for products or services.
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Do not leave your wallet/purse/checkbook in your car.