Preventing Identity Theft

Unfortunately, it's not possible to prevent identity theft and credit fraud entirely. However, by managing your personal information carefully, and with a full understanding of its importance, you can substantially reduce the likelihood that it will happen to you.

Identity thieves have high and low tech ways of stealing your personal information. They can search through your trash or hack into your personal computer. Here are a few examples of items identity thieves look for:

• Your wallet or purse—containing ID, credit cards, debit cards Bank statements or receipts
• Mail—credit card statements, checks, tax information and pre-approved credit card offers
• Personal information from your home or home computer
• Files from offices where you are a customer, employee, patient or student