Do not provide personal information over the phone, via the Internet, or in person if you don’t know the other person or didn't initiate the contact. Personal information should be provided ONLY to people you know, or that YOU contacted first.

Use a crosscut paper shredder on credit card bills/offers, bank checks/statements, and other documents with personal information before throwing them away.

Be certain none of the identification cards that you carry in your wallet or purse (medical insurance, military cards, driver’s license, etc.) includes your Social Security number.

When giving out personal information, always be aware of who is around you.

When receiving your monthly credit card statement, always review the transactions charged to your account carefully before paying the bill.

Make certain your Social Security number and driver’s license number do not appear on your personal checks.

Do not leave your outgoing mail in an unlocked mailbox at the curb with the flag up. Drop it off in a U.S. Post Office mail box.

Get copies of your credit reports and review them carefully.

Get a monitoring service that notifies you when there are any changes or additions to your identity.