• Do not give your Social Security number or other personal credit information over the phone unless you initiate the call.
• Tear up receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
• Keep an eye out for any missing mail.
• Do not mail bills from your own mailbox.
• Review your monthly accounts regularly for any unauthorized charges.
• Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
• Choose to do business with companies you know are reputable, particularly online.
• When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active.
• Do not open e-mail from unknown sources, and use virus detection software.
• Protect your PINs (don’t carry them in your wallet!) and passwords, use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically.
• Report any suspected fraud to your bank and the fraud units of the three credit reporting agencies immediately.

The fraud unit numbers are:
- Trans Union 800-916-8800
- Experian 800-301-7195
- Equifax 800-525-6285