Security

Protect Yourself

As with any crime, you can't guarantee that you will never be a victim, but you can minimize your risk. By managing your personal information cautiously and with awareness, you can help guard against identity theft.

Safeguard your information:

Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
Know who you are dealing with. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
Go directly there. Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails, especially those asking for personal information. The best way to get to any site is to type it address (url) into your browser and then bookmark it.
When performing online transactions, don’t disclose your credit card or other financial account numbers on a website unless the site offers secure transactions.
Create hard to guess passwords. Avoid using your mother’s maiden name, your birth date or the last four digits of your social security number.
Protect your PIN and other passwords. Change your passwords and PIN frequently. Every 30-60 days is recommended.
Make sure your computer has the most current anti-virus software and has a personal firewall.
Order a copy of your credit report once a year to review your file and make certain it is correct.
Closely monitor the expiration dates on your credit cards and contact the issuer if you do receive a replacement prior to the expiration date.
Keep track of your account. Pay attention to billing cycles and statements. Inquire if you do not receive a monthly bill. If your bills include questionable items call the company and investigate it.
Guard your mail box. If you have a mail box with flag to signal for a pickup, do not leave bill payment envelopes, instead mail the from a postal collection box at Post Office