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- Don't give your Social Security number or other personal credit information over the phone unless you initiate the call.
- Tear up receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
- Keep an eye out for any missing mail.
- Don't mail bills from your own mailbox.
- Review your monthly accounts regularly for any unauthorized charges.
- Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
- Choose to do business with companies you know are reputable, particularly online.
- When conducting business online, make sure your browser's padlock or key icon is active.
- Don't open e-mail from unknown sources, and use virus detection software.
- Protect your PINs (don't carry them in your wallet!) and passwords, use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically.
- Report any suspected fraud to your bank and the fraud units of the three credit reporting agencies immediately. The fraud unit numbers are:
- Trans Union (800) 916-8800
- Experian (800) 301-7195
- Equifax (800) 525-6285 - Click here for Tips on Safe Banking over the internet.
- Federal Trade Commission Announces ID Theft Affidavit.
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