Five Identity Theft Prevention Steps

Identity thieves plot to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Do not give scammers an easy way to obtain your personal information. Avoid falling victim to a cybercrime and prevent identity theft with these simple steps. 

1.  Never provide personal identifying or financial information during a phone call that you did not initiate. 
2.  Never provide personal identifying or financial information over the phone to anyone claiming to represent a contest or sweepstakes promotion.  (It is illegal to market a foreign lottery in the U.S.  These calls are always fraudulent.)
3.  Never carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet.
4.  Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks or driver's license.
5.  Never respond to an email or pop up message on your computer claiming some problem with a credit card, the internet, or some other account.

If you feel you might have fallen victim to a cybercrime or identity theft, click here to learn more about reporting the theft.