* Do not leave your mail in an unsecure mailbox.
* Do not write your Social Security number or driver's license number on your checks.
* Shred papers with personal information before you throw them out.
* Be careful who you give information to over the phone or via the internet.
* Do not fall for phony websites or email scams that ask you for personal information.

If you become a victim of identity theft:

1. Call all 3 major credit bureaus ask them to send you a copy of your credit report and have them put a fraud alert on your account.

Equifax 800 525-6285
Experian 888 397-3742
TransUnion 800 680-7289

2. Contact the issuer of the account that has been tampered with or opened illegally and inform them of the problem.

3. Call the police and the Federal Trade Commission at 877-IDTHEFT.