Home Security

Protect Your Mail

Install a mailbox with a locking mechanism. If you do not have a mailbox with a locking mechanism, then do not leave you incoming mail in the mailbox for extended periods of time and do not use your mailbox to send outgoing mail.

When you raise the red flag to alert the postal carrier of out going mail, it lets a thief know that there is potential personal information and/or a check in that envelope.

Shred Your Documents

Thieves often find personal information in common trash. Invest in a shredder and be sure to shred your bank statements, bill statements and any other documents with personal information on them before discarding in the trash. Using a shredder that cross cuts is more effective that a straight shredder.

Limit Personal Information in Your Wallet

Carry only what you absolutely need to carry. Items like your social security card and birth certificate are best left at home. These are ideal sources of personal information that thieves use for Identity Theft.

Protect Your Credit

Do not let your credit card out of your possession for long periods of time. If you card expires and you have not received a new card, notify the credit card company immediately.

Check your credit report periodically to ensure that false information is not appearing. Credit reports can be obtained for a fee from a reputable credit company such as Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.

Check your credit score. Lenders, to determine how much risk there is associated with lending you money, often use your credit score. Credit scores usually fall between 300 and 850 if the credit score follow the Fair Issac & Company model. The higher the number the lower the risk to the lending institution. You can obtain your credit score along with your credit report for a fee by contacting www.myfico.com.

Use caution when using your credit information on the Internet.. Make sure that the vendor is using a secure technology during transmission of your information. Also, do not allow the vendor to store your credit card information for future purchases.

Beware of Social Engineering

If you receive a telephone call and are asked for personal information such as your social security number and mother's maiden name, do not give out this information. The caller could be pretending to be someone they are not.

What to do if you are a victim of Identity Theft

If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, you may use this form to send a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The information you provide is up to you. However, if you don't provide your name or other information, it may be impossible for the FTC to refer, respond to, or investigate your complaint or request