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Your
Social
Security Number (SSN) |
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DO release your SSN only when absolutely
necessary
- for tax forms, employment,
bank, or transaction records, and the like.
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DON'T carry your Social Security card in
your
wallet except when truly required,
such as your first day on a new job.
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DON'T have your SSN (or your driver's license
number) printed on your checks,
and don't allow merchants to add your SSN to your checks by hand.
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Credit
Cards
and Checks |
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DO minimize the number of credit cards
you actively
use and carry only one
or two in your wallet. |
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DO keep a list or photocopies of all your
credit
cards, as well as bank accounts
and investments, in a secure place (not in your wallet or purse). Include account
numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers so you can contact them quickly
if necessary. |
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DON'T leave envelopes containing your bills
and
checks where they might be
stolen. If stolen, your checks can be altered and cashed by an imposter. |
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Passwords
and PINs |
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DON'T use obvious or easily guessed passwords
and PINs (personal identification
numbers), such as digits of your SSN, consecutive numbers, your birth date, middle
name, pet's name, or your mother's maiden name. |
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DO create passwords that combine letters
and numbers,
and do change passwords
on a regular schedule. |
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DO change passwords assigned with new accounts
immediately. |
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Document
Destruction |
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DON'T toss pre-approved credit offers in
your
trash or recycling bin without
first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them. Do the same with other
sensitive information: credit card receipts, phone bills, bank statements, investment
reports, and so on. Trash is a prime target for identity thieves. |
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DON'T toss credit card receipts in a public
trash
container. Carry the receipts
in your wallet, not in the shopping bag. |
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And
Most Importantly |
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DO order your free credit report every
12 months
from each of the nationwide
consumer credit reporting companies. To learn more, visit www.annualcreditreport.com
or call 1-877-322-8228. |
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DO carefully review your credit card, bank
statements,
and phone bills each
month for unauthorized use. |
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EXAMINE your Social Security Earnings and
Benefits
Estimate Statement each
year to check for fraud. The Social Security Administration mails this statement
to adult SSN holders about three months before their birthdays. |
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