• Holiday Shopping Safety
• Curb Smash-and-Grab Theft
• Protecting Your Identity
• Tornado Tips
• Hurricane Plan

Tips to Keep Your Identity Safe

We know you've heard about it, seen it and know someone who suffered through it. But how do you keep your information safe?

• Shred, shred, shred. Shred documents with personal or credit card information on them
  
  
• Guard your SSN. Don't carry your Social Security card with you, and have the number removed from your insurance cards
  
  
• Protect your email and computer. Don't send sensitive information by email. Use a firewall when you connect to the Internet, and use the security features if you use a wireless network
  
  
• Stay current with your credit. Review your credit report at least annually. Take advantage of websites such as annualcreditreport.com
  
  
• Review credit card statements. Make sure you're getting charged the right amount at the right place
  
  
• Clean out your wallet. Don't keep more than two credit cards on hand, and make a copy of them to stick in a different place. Also, write "Ask for ID" on the back of your credit cards so not just anyone can sign for you
  
  
• Keep checks in check. After ordering checks, pick them up from the bank yourself. Consider using just your first initial(s) and last name instead of your full name. This will make it more difficult for someone else to forge your signature
  
  
• Secure your mail. Get a locking mailbox, and always take outgoing mail to a public drop-box. Have the post office hold your mail if you'll be away
  
  
• Watch for "shoulder surfing." Always be aware of your surroundings. ID thieves can write your numbers down quickly if you leave your card out while completing a purchase. They can even take a picture of your information with something as small as a camera cell phone
  
  
• Shop online with caution. Be sure you're using a secure site before entering bank or credit card information online. Use site addresses that begin with https rather than just http, and make sure you can find the locked padlock in your browser window
  
  
• Use anti-virus software. Ensure that you are always running the most up-to-date anti-virus program on your computer
  
  
• Choose passwords wisely. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and other marks to make it harder to crack or steal your password
  
  
• Protect passwords. Don't write down your passwords or keep them out where anybody can read them. Don't allow your browser to auto-fill passwords since these can be easily stolen
  
  
• Beware of "phishing." Phishing is when would-be identity thieves use a phony email and/or website to fool you into providing your credit card number, password or other information. Don't respond to these emails. Reputable companies won't ask for your information in this way
  
  
• Keep your PC clean. Use one of the powerful free spyware removers to make sure that no one is "looking over your shoulder"
  
  
• Don't respond to phony phone calls. Unless you called the company, don't provide unknown callers with personal information regardless of who they say they are