Guarding yourself against identity theft

Prevention is the best defense. Try following the suggested precautions below:

Securing data and electronic information

• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through websites, or in email unless you are sure you know whom you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails.
• Use one credit card for Internet purchases with a low maximum limit amount.
• Do not give out your real name or other personal information in Internet chat rooms. Use a screen name.
• Use strong passwords, and change your important passwords annually.

Securing physical documents

• Don’t carry your Social Security card or write your Social Security number on a check. Provide your Social Security number only if absolutely necessary; you can always ask to use another identifier like a Connecticut driver's license number.
• Minimize the ID information and number of credit cards you carry.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.
• Do not authorize others to use your credit cards.
• Protect areas where your mail can be stolen. Secure mail receptacles and promptly remove your mail. Deposit outgoing mail in post office mail boxes.
• Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank windows, trash receptacles, or gasoline pumps.
• Sign all new credit cards with “Photo Identification Required.”
• Shred documents like pre-approved credit applications, receipts, bills, and other financial information.

Next →  Resources if you think your identity may be compromised

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Related topics

• Identity theft
• Resources if you think your identity may be compromised
• Identity theft: What you know can protect you

Other resources

• U.S. Government: OnGuard Online
• U.S.-FTC: Protecting Personal Information