Identity Theft Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, and help you keep your identity both private and personal:

• Monitor your personal information closely and very carefully. Consider obtaining your credit reports every year to make sure that they are completely accurate.
  
  
• Check your bank account statements every month with your own personal records to ensure that all checks, withdrawals, and charges were authorized.
  
  
• When ordering products through the Internet by credit card, make sure that you are using a secure web page and shopping at reputable online stores. You will see a padlock on the status bar of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Never e-mail your social security number to anyone. Free World Mall - is an online shopping mall that constantly monitors participating merchants for quality and safety, reach them at www.freeworldmall.com.
  
  
• Be weary of e-mails and phone calls offering you prizes or major credit cards. Always ask them to send you a written application form by mail instead. Remember the old adage "if the offer sounds too good to be true, it's probably not legitimate.
  
  
• Use anti-virus and personal firewall software and be sure to keep them both updated at all times. We recommend Symantec anti-virus software.
  
  
• If you are going on vacation or out of town for more than a day or two, have your mail held. Mail your bills at a post office rather than from a home mailbox with the flag up.
  
  
• As soon as you receive new credit cards, sign them immediately. Do not write your PIN #'s on the cards.
  
  
• Do not tell anyone your social security number, or ask to use another form of identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Tear up all of your unwanted mail that may tell something about you; for example unused credit card offers.
  
  
• Carry only the forms of identification and credit cards that you absolutely need at all times. Keep a close eye on your wallet or purse and be sure not to leave it unattended.
  
  
• Notify your credit card company immediately if you should lose your ID or credit cards, or if you think that they may have been stolen.