The following tips can help you protect your
identity:
Don't give your Social Security or account
numbers to anyone over the phone or online unless you have initiated
the contact. Before revealing personal financial information, find out how
it will be used and if it will be shared with others. Ask if you have a choice about the use of your information.
Delete suspicious emails without opening them.
If you do open a suspicious email, don't open any attachments
or click on any links in the email.
Shred receipts, old bank statements and unused
credit card offers before throwing them away.
Pay attention to when you normally receive your
bills. Follow up with creditors if your bills don't arrive on time. Review
your bank and credit card statements as soon as you receive them to check
for unauthorized transactions.
Protect your PINs and computer passwords and
don't carry them with you. For PINs don't use a number that can be found in
your wallet. For passwords, use a combination of letters and numbers and
change them regularly.
Equal Housing Lender.