Online Identity Theft & Fraud

  • Never carry extra credit cards, your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport with you unless you need them. Keep them in a secure place at home.
  • Never give your social security number to anyone but the police or, if absolutely necessary, for banking or tax purposes. It is the key to your credit and banking accounts.
  • Never leave your purse or wallet unattended anywhere.
  • Never loan your ATM or credit cards to anyone.
  • Never give your PIN number to anyone or write it on your card.
  • Never give your credit card number or other personal information over the phone or computer unless you have initiated contact and know the organization is reputable.
  • Close unused or unwanted credit card accounts.
  • Shred all pre-approved credit applications you receive in the mail. Shred all credit card receipts.
  • Pay attention to your financial and medical account statements and look for any unusual activity.
  • Keep all financial documents including checks and bank books in a secure place.
  • Pay bills online through secure sites only. Look for the lock and key security symbol on the page.
  • Mail all letters and bill payments through a secure mailbox inside a post office.
  • Contact the Better Business Bureau before you do business to check if an organization is legitimate. Do not just hire a random guy from the neighborhood to do repairs.
  • Never speak to solicitors by yourself.
  • Never invite anyone unknown into your home.
  • Never loan your vehicle to someone unknown.
  • Never send money to get money.
  • If this happens to you:
    • Report it to the police immediately.
    • Contact all your financial and medical institutions.
    • Cancel old accounts and cards and get new ones with new numbers.