Eight Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: January 2004
Seal your lips. Never give your Social Security number—or personal information of any kind—over the telephone or online unless you initiate the contact.
Shred. Shred bank and credit card statements, canceled checks, preapproved credit card offers, bills with account information and the like.
Guard your mailbox. When you pay bills, don't put them in your mailbox with the flag up. Use a locked mailbox or the post office.
Check your credit reports. Look for telltale markers of identity theft, say, an address change you didn't make or new account you didn't open. Cancel accounts you don't use or only rarely use—open credit is a prime target.
Scrutinize bank statements. Monitor your accounts frequently for suspicious activity. And don't have blank checks mailed to your home; pick them up at your bank instead.
Be careful at ATMs. "Shoulder surfers" can get your account and PIN numbers.
Build a firewall. If you use a computer at home, protect yourself by installing firewall software.
Memorize. Don't write down PIN numbers, passwords and the like—commit them to memory.
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