Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Here are 10 Easy Ways...



1. Shred everything that contains your personal information. Use
a cross-cut shredder for extra-added security.



2. Review your credit report from the three main reporting
agencies at least once a year. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com
<http://www.annualcreditreport.com> or call (877) 322-8228 to
order your free yearly reports. Please note that this is the ONLY
website currently offering "totally free" credit reports. Be wary
of other sites, as they will likely pressure you into buying
additional services and/or may sell your contact information.



3. Review your savings, checking, credit card, and other accounts
regularly for any unusual activity. Immediately report strange
happenings to your financial institution or credit card issuer.



4. If you are an active duty soldier being deployed, place an
active duty alert on your credit report. This alert will put
potential creditors on notice that they must proceed with caution
when granting credit.



5. NEVER give out any financial information including account
numbers over the phone, unless YOU initiated the call. This rule
also applies to email.



6. Be extremely wary of contests. This is an easy way for scam
artists to trick you into sharing personal information and
possible passwords.



7. Inform the Direct Marketing Association that you don t wish to
have your name avail-able to marketers. Write to: Mail Preference
Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY
10512 or visit their website at
www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html
<http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html>



8. Request that a password be added to your checking and savings
accounts, so that changes and inquiries cannot be made by just
anyone. Avoid easy-to-come-by information like your mother s
maiden name or your pet s name.



9. Keep ALL personal information locked up! Even though it may
seem safe in your desk drawer at home, thieves can still break in
and steal it.



10. Thieves can easily steal mail from a mailbox, so pay
attention to when your monthly bills and statements arrive. If
something doesn t arrive on time, call the company and ask about
the delay.