Identity
thieves are getting more sophisticated every day. They can steal personal
information from e-mail, phones, data storage devices, documents in your trash,
or by stealing your purse. Social security numbers, credit card numbers, and
other personal information can then be used by the thieves to commit fraud.
Tips
for preventing identity theft include:
- By signing your credit/debit card, you make it harder for
thieves to forge your signature.
- Keep your PIN number secret and never write it on your card or keep it written on a paper with your
card.
- Avoid obvious passwords, such as birthdays or phone number,
which may be easy for hackers and thieves to guess.
- When you travel or are away from home for an extended time, protect
your mail by requesting a hold with the U.S. Postal Service.
- You can protect home computers from hackers by installing
firewalls and virus detection software. Also, unplug internet connections when
you’re not using them.