Identity Protection

What can you do to protect yourself?

Simple, everyday changes can help you prevent Identity Theft. Perhaps the best investment you can make for Identity Theft protection is a paper shredder, to handle sensitive documents. Some shredders will even cut up old credit cards so no one can steal the number. A second easy step is to carry a credit card rather than checks or debit cards. Fraudulent charges on credit cards are easier to dispute than those from debit cards or checks.

Checks often contain not just your name as debit cards do, but your address, phone number, bank account number and routing number, your signature, and even your driver's license number, which in many states could still be your Social Security number.

Even by simply carrying checks with you, you run a risk that they could be stolen and fall into the wrong hands.

If your driver's license still has your Social Security number on it, contact the DMV to request a new license that does not display your private information. Do not carry your Social Security card with you in your wallet or purse. If you're worried about mail being stolen from your mailbox, you can replace it with a locking mailbox or use a PO Box at your local post office instead.

Do not give your Social Security number, bank account number, or any other identifying information to anyone over the phone or through email. Legitimate requests for information will come through the mail. If in doubt, ask the caller for a phone number to confirm that the request is genuine and then request a follow-up letter in the mail.