Tips to Help Safeguard Your Identity

Banking & Credit

• Avoid printing your driver's license number, social security number, or personal phone number on your checks. Include only the types of personal information required for doing business in your community.
• Retain your monthly statements and checks for at least one year. If you need to dispute a charge or transaction, it's best to have original documents.
• When the time comes to discard old bank and credit card statements, shred them, don't just toss them in the trash.
• Give your monthly bank and credit card statements more than a cursory glance. Keep an especially close eye on ATM transactions.
• Make your passwords and PIN numbers as "un-guessable" as possible by using a random mix of letters and digits. Create a rhyme or phrase to help you remember the sequence.
• Simplify your banking practices and stick with a system that works for you. The fewer credit cards and bank accounts you have, the less likely you'll be to miss a problem.
• Get a copy of your personal credit report at least once a year (more often if you suspect problems). Information about obtaining a credit report is included in our Something for Everyone section.
• Your credit report should list all bank and financial accounts under your name, and will provide other indications of whether someone has wrongfully opened or used any accounts in your name.
• You can opt-out of receiving unsolicited pre-approved credit card applications and insurance offers by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).

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