Here are a few other steps you can take to safeguard your personal and financial information :
- Don’t give anyone your Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers unless you know why they need them. If you are unsure, ask the person to send you a request by mail instead of asking for it over the telephone.
- Don’t just throw away papers that have these numbers listed on them. Tear up the papers or shred them. Thieves often go through the trash looking for intact numbers so they can raid your accounts.
- Don’t leave bill payment envelopes at your mailbox for the mail carrier. Someone might take them. Instead, put your envelopes inside a postal mailbox.
- Don’t send your credit card number over the Internet unless you are sure the Web site is secured.
- Tear up or shred unused credit card offers.
- Keep your credit card and ATM receipts in a safe place until you’ve paid the credit card bill or balanced your checkbook. Then tear up or shred them.
- Review your credit card statements and telephone bills for unauthorized use. If you suspect fraud, call the company immediately.
- If you’re a victim of identity theft, report the crime to the police immediately.
