10 Ways to Help Safeguard Your Identity 1. Secure Financial Information at Home Many unauthorized transactions are crimes of opportunity committed by those with access to your residence. Consider using a locking file cabinet for things like your checkbook, bank statements, credit cards and statements, brokerage and mortgage information, and debit card PIN. Never write your PIN on your card, and avoid using easily guessable numbers such as birthdays or street addresses. 2. Carefully Dispose Shred all papers with confidential information before throwing them away, especially bank and credit card statements and anything with your preprinted name and address, like credit card and mortgage refinance solicitations. 3. Take Precautions with Your Mail Identity thieves may steal checks out of the mail, then alter the payee and amount of the check, or use the account information to generate counterfeit checks. Don’t use your home mailbox to send payments or correspondence with confidential information. Hand your mail directly to your letter carrier, use the post office, or drop the mail in an official post office box. For added security, consider using an online banking service for bill paying. 4. Don’t Carry All Your Financial Resources Limit the number of credit cards you carry in case your purse or wallet is lost or stolen. Immediately report any loss to your credit card provider. Do not keep your Social Security card or number on your person.
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