Keep Your Identity Safe
With all of the opportunities available for thieves to steal your identity, there are some precautions you can take to help keep your identity safe, and assist you should an identity theft occur.

Check Your Credit Reports
Your credit reports can provide “early warning signs” of identity theft. Check the “Inquiries” section to make sure only those companies pulling your credit report are entitled to. Also check the account history section for unfamiliar accounts. (Identity Rehab’s “Identity Snapshot” product does this for you.)

Check Your Personal Records
In addition to credit reports, other national and local databases may contain accurate – or false – information about you. This includes criminal and court records, medical data, “No-Fly” lists, and sex offender rosters. (Identity Rehab’s “Identity Snapshot” product does this for you.)

Secure Your Mail
There a variety of different mailboxes aimed at protecting your personal information. Some of them have locks or keypads that you can share with your post office. Others have mail slots that allow you to insert letters into the box but prevent letters from being taken out of it until you unlock the whole unit.

Shred Your Trash
Purchase a paper/document shredder and use it for sensitive material you wish to throw out. Something that contains a password, an account number or any type of personal information should be treated with extreme caution. Some shredders will chop your credit cards for you. If it can't, grab a good pair of scissors and chop, chop, chop. Keep a Record Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers should you need to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. If you lose a card or one is stolen immediately refer to your records and call the number provided to inform the company of the situation.

Keep Duplicate Records
Carry a photocopy of your passport and other sensitive information when traveling either here or abroad. If you ever receive a letter concerning a possible breach of security from your bank, post office, or any institution you deal with, make a copy. If someone does steal your identity, this information will assist in a rapid identity recovery.

Account Numbers
Your account numbers can always be changed. If you feel that a particular account may have been compromised, do not hesitate to change the account number. This applies to credit cards, bank accounts, utilities, cell phones, medical insurance, car insurance and anything else that may be linked to your money. Also, make sure that your account numbers do not contain any part of your Social Security Number.

Passwords
Think about your password before you choose them. Don't pick one that another person may be able to guess. Remember that when entering a password on a computer it may be case sensitive. In order to make your password as secure as possible make sure to include one or more of each of the following: a lower-case letter, an upper-case letter, and a numerical character. Also, don't forget to change your passwords periodically. You can never be too careful.

Secondary Passwords
You have probably been asked by some institution what your mother's maiden name is. This question or password has become all too common. There are also internet resources that may disclose your family lineage to a third party without your consent. This makes a maiden name a bad password. Ask your company to add an additional password to your account for an extra measure of security. Some may let you choose a secret question, to which you will provide the answer.

Home Security
Your residence is a prime target for anyone looking to find information out about you. Keep all forms of identification that you do not carry like a Social Security card and Birth Certificate in a safe location at all times. Also, consider securing legal documents such as titles to property and vehicles in a safe. We recommend a secure, fireproof lock box to hold these types of documents. Anything with an account number is sensitive information. Keep things such as credit card and bank statements out of view and secured. And, of course, deadbolts for your doors and an alarm system for your home are always good ideas.

Shoulder Surfing
Don't let anyone hear your password. If you are prompted to disclose a password verbally, do it in a safe environment where it cannot be overheard. Whenever you enter you personal PIN number block it from the view of others. There may be people or illegal recording devices attempting to steal your private information. It only takes one error on your part to compromise an account and grant access to an unauthorized user.

Automobile Security
You should try not to not to leave anything too valuable in your car. If you must, keep these things in your trunk or an area that is out of plain sight. Exposed valuables can only attract unnecessary attention to your vehicle. Your vehicle can contain as much or more personal information as your residence. Try not to keep things like mail and forms of identification in your car for extended periods of time. For information that will remain in the vehicle; use your head. You may have a hiding place or lockable glove box inside your car that could add an extra measure of security.

Purse Snatching
If you are concerned about items being stolen from your purse you may want to consider a fully-zippering style. For additional safety use an interior zipper or hook to secure your wallet and identification to the inside of the bag. When carrying a purse always keep it under your arm and close to your body.

Phisher Scams
Make sure you know who is calling or e-mailing before revealing personal information about yourself. Most reputable companies will not ask you via e-mails or unsolicited calls for sensitive data like a Social Security number or credit account number. If you have doubts, call the company back at the number you have on file and ask for that person by name or extension. If you are directed to a web page that is not secure (secure is indicated by a lock icon) do not submit any sensitive information. Check the URL (or web address) at the top of your browser to verify that the site you are on is, in fact, hosted by the correct company.

Online Banking
It's always a good idea to keep a close watch on your financial accounts. If your banking institution offers the service it's a good idea to take advantage of online resources. Monitor your accounts regularly on the web and check for any abnormal activity. If something does not add up or looks suspicious call your bank immediately.

Sign Cards with "See ID"
It's always a good idea to sign the back of your credit or debit cards with "see ID" or "See Photo ID". This will help ensure that someone else cannot use your card without also having a valid ID. It will prompt the clerk to ask you for your identification to make sure that you are the same person as the one on the credit card. Cancel Any Unused Cards You may have a credit card or a few cards that sit around without being used. If you are not going to use those cards, get rid of them and close the accounts. Keep documentation supporting the fact that the account is closed. The likelihood that unused cards will end up causing you more harm than good in the long run is high.

Don't Mail New Checks Home
If you are concerned about the security of your mail then don't have your newly ordered checks mailed to you residence. Instead, order new checks but tell the bank to hold on to them for you or send them to your local branch. The next time you are in the bank, pick up your checks in person.