Criminals continually dream up new ways to access your personal information in order to steal money from your accounts, open new credit cards,
apply for loans and commit other crimes — all using your identity. These acts can damage your credit, leave you with unwanted bills and cause
you countless hours of frustration to clear your good name. At-risk information includes Social Security numbers, passwords, credit card and bank
account numbers. Here are a few information security precautions you should take:
Always shred documents containing personal information.
Don't give out personal information by phone, mail or Internet unless you initiated the contact and know with whom you're dealing.
When shopping online, use only secure sites — those whose addresses begin with "https://" and display a small "lock"
icon in the lower-right-hand corner of your browser.
Never click on links in unsolicited emails, don't choose obvious passwords, and use up-to-date firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus
software.
Beware of "phishing," where culprits seek personal information by sending realistic-looking but fraudulent emails that ask
for confirmation of personal information such as account numbers, log-in IDs and passwords — supposedly for security purposes.
If you suspect identity theft, immediately contact the fraud departments at Equifax (800-525-6285),
Experian (888-397-3742) and TransUnion (800-680-7289). Ask them to place a "fraud alert" in your file and to send a
copy of your credit report.
If a theft has taken place, file a police report and get a copy in case your creditors need proof. Also file a complaint with the FTC at
its Identity Theft Hotline (877-IDTHEFT) or online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.