Protect Your Identity

Here are 10 tips to help keep your identity safe:

1. Destroy private records and statements. Shred or burn credit card statements and solicitations containing personal information.

2. Secure your mail. Empty your mailbox daily or get a PO Box. Never mail outgoing bill payments and checks from home. Checks can be stolen from your mailbox and modified with solvents.

3. Safeguard your Social Security number. Never carry your card with you, or any other card that may have your number, like a health insurance card. And don’t put the number on your checks.

4. Don't leave a paper trail. Never leave ATM, credit card or gas station receipts behind. And don't store them in your glove compartment.

5. Never let your credit card out of your sight. Always keep an eye on your card or, when that's not possible, pay with cash.

6. Know who you're dealing with. Don’t ever give out personal information over the phone unless you called them. Don’t ever reply to e-mail messages or click on links within them, even if they look authentic. Also, if you get a phone "survey" asking you to press buttons on your phone, don't press anything! Just hang up.

7. Take your name off telemarketers' hit lists. National do not call list: 1-888-382-1222.

8. Be more defensive with personal information. Ask salespeople and others if information such as a Social Security or driver’s license number is absolutely necessary.

9. Monitor your credit report. Obtain and thoroughly review your credit report (now available for free at Annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228) at least once a year.

10. Review your credit card statements carefully. Make sure every charge is legitimate.