Identity Theft - Protecting Your Identit

Protecting Your Identity

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How can I protect my Identity?

• The next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name. Your bank will know.
• Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
• When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers.
• Don't list any telephone number. You can always write it on the check at the time of the transaction. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address or your work address.
• Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Store in a secure place and refresh it when you change cards.

Related Sites

• U.S. Dept. of Justice - Identity Theft and Fraud *
• ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name *
• Social Security Administration - Identity Theft *
• Better Business Bureau on-line "Privacy Tips" *
• Washington Post, "Protecting Your Identity" *
• Federal Trade Commission on Identity Theft *

Regularly clear your web browser's cache

• http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser's-Cache *

* - This link leaves the FINANCIAL OPERATIONS & BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY website.