By David Leopard identitytheft8@aol.com)

1. Shred personal financial documents before discarding them (use a cross cut shredder).
2. Do not place personal information such as your Social Security Number, date of birth or driver’s license number on your checks.
3. Do not provide personal, financial or other identifying information to an unknown telephone caller.
4. Before revealing personal information to anyone, ask how it will be used.
5. Use your Social Security Number only when absolutely necessary.
6. Before furnishing any information on-line, ensure the web site is securely protected (on the secure web page the address will start with https and have a padlock icon, ensuring it is secure).
7. Obtain a free credit report yearly to review it for errors (annualcreditreport.com or 877-322-8228)
   1. You can go to each credit reporting agency and get one free every 4 months.
8. Minimize the number of credit cards and other identifying information you carry.
   1. Do not carry your Social Security Card with you unless absolutely necessary.
   2. Make copies of all information on credit cards you carry with you.

                 i.      Store in a secure place with your Social Security Card

                ii.      Have a list of phone numbers of credit card companies to call if wallet is stolen.

9. If you are a victim of IDENTITY THEFT, contact the fraud hotlines of the 3 major credit bureaus.
   1. Equifax- 800-525-6285
   2. Experian- 888- 397-3742
   3. Trans Union- 800-680-7289
10. Other phone numbers
    1. Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hot Line  - 877-438-4338
    2. Social Security Fraud  Hot Line  -  800-269-0271
    3. U.S. Postal Inspectors (involving one’s mail) -  800-372-8347
11. No Call Lists
    1. Texas 1-866-896-6225
    2. Federal 1-888-382-1222
12. Stop credit card mail offers by calling 888-567-8688

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