10 Helpful Tips To Protect Your Identity

Protect your social security number. Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or purse.  If your social security number is listed on your driver’s license, health insurance card, etc., request to have it reissued.

Use secure passwords to protect your laptop and other digital devices, and change these passwords regularly.

Clean out your wallet or purse often. Remove seldom used credit cards and cancel those that you no longer need.

Review your bills and credit card statements to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. If you notice a discrepancy, contact your provider immediately.

Take advantage of free credit reports. You are allowed one free credit report each year from the three national credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.  By requesting one report every four months, you can stay up to date on your credit score year round with no cost to you.

Don’t give out personal information to unsecure websites. A web page containing ‘https’ in the address or a padlock symbol next to the address field is a secure site, meaning that the information you provide will be encrypted or scrambled, protecting it from hackers.

Use firewall, virus and spyware protection on your personal computer. Update it regularly to keep your computer safe from ‘uninvited guests’.

Shred documents that contain sensitive information. Visit our web page: “Upcoming Shred Day Events” to stay up to date on Free Shredding Events in your area.

Make a list of your credit card and bank account numbers along with the customer service lines for each and keep it in a safe place. If you do fall victim to identity theft, this list will make it quick and easy to put a hold on your accounts, preventing any additional fraudulent activity.

If you believe you are the victim of identity theft visit our web page:“Important Contacts for Consumers”, to see a list of helpful contact information to get you on the right track to getting your identity back.