How to Prevent Identity Theft

Over 10 million people a year learn they have become victims of identity theft. It seems there is no stopping this personally devastating crime. Congress has passed tougher ID theft legislation and businesses have implemented strategies to address the epidemic, but personal vigilance remains the best way to avoid becoming a victim.

Here are some simple tips for preventing a thief from stealing your identity:

Online

• Don't click on links found in unsolicited emails -- type the URL you know into your browser address bar. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for more on these items.
• Never respond to any e-mail that looks fishy to you. By responding, you're letting the spammer or scammer know that someone exists at that e-mail address.
• When shopping or giving out personal information online, always look for the initials "https" at the beginning of a website address (the "s" stands for "secure").  Never enter personal information on an unsecure webpage (http). Also, check for the "lock" icon to appear at the top or bottom of your browser window.
• Use "strong" passwords which are at least 8 characters long and combine letters and numbers. Never use obvious combinations like your birthday or address. It's best to choose something at random that doesn't bear any personal significance to you. And use different passwords for different websites.
• Limit the information you post about yourself on online social networking sites.

Around the House

• On the phone, don't give out personal information to anyone you didn't call. Get an unlisted phone number.
• Shred financial documents, receipts, and mail to prevent dumpster divers from finding information about you in the trash.
• At home, keep all personal information locked up (or consider getting a safe deposit box).
• Make sure your hard drive is truly wiped before you donate, recycle, or toss your old computer.
• Consider a locked mailbox or a PO box, especially if you share a mailbox with others or, worse, have a common mail area in a shared lobby.
• Sign up for a credit monitoring service that quickly alerts you to any suspicious activity to your credit report. And carefully review your credit card and bank statements each month to ensure there aren't any fraudulent charges.

Out and About

• When you go out, pay attention to who's handling your credit card -- make sure they are not illegally scanning it (or giving the number to an accomplice), and stealing your personal information.
• Shield your PIN from others at the ATM or cash register.
• Know where your wallet and checkbook are at all times. Only carry what you absolutely need in your wallet -- never carry your Social Security card, extraneous credit cards, or written-down pass codes.
• Don't keep any identifying information in your car, and definitely don't leave your laptop in an unattended vehicle.

You can never be 100% sure you are preventing ID theft -- there are simply too many ways thieves have access to personal information. But if you follow these tips, you are definitely making yourself a smaller target to find and hit.