Protect Yourself

While identity theft can happen to anyone, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are eight ways to make protecting your identity part of your everyday routine:

1. Secure your information. Whether it is paper documents or electronic files always keep your information protected.
2. Password security is crucial. Use a strong password with 8 or more characters with a combination of upper and lower-case letters and special characters.  Don’t share your password with anyone.  If you must write it down, make sure that it is secured away from your computer.
3. Ensure your computer is protected. Make sure you have security software that includes antivirus/malware and firewall protection.  Ensure your software is active and updated regularly.
4. Read your credit card and bank statements carefully and often.
5. Know your payment due dates. If a bill doesn’t show up when you expect it, look into it.
6. Read the statements from your health insurance plan. Make sure the claims paid match the care you got.
7. Shred any documents with personal and financial information.
8. Review each of your three credit reports at least once a year. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free reports.

Learn More about Identity Theft Prevention