Help protect your identity:

• Shred paper statements that contain your Social Security number, driver's license number or banking account numbers.
• Don't put checks in your home mailbox, and buy a locking mailbox if possible.
• Don't carry extra credit cards or your birth certificate, social security card, or passport, unless necessary.
• Never give out personal information when someone calls you. If they tell you they are a creditor of yours call them back at the number that you know is the true number. Provide only information that you believe is absolutely necessary.
• Do not put your identifying information on your checks or receipts - this includes your Social Security number or driver's license.
• Watch out for fishy emails. Fraudsters send emails pretending to be from a legitimate retailer, bank, or government agency. They might also ask you to "confirm" your personal information for some made-up reason: your account is about to be closed, an order for something has been placed in your name, or your information has been lost because of a computer problem.