"An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure"

This old saying still applies when handling your personal information. Here are some tips to keep your personal information safe.

• Cancel unused credit cards-don't just cut them up



• Carry your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate only when necessary



• Shred credit card receipts and solicitations, canceled checks and financial documents before throwing away



• Photocopy both sides of your driver's license, credit cards and other identification you carry in your wallet and keep it in a safe place. You'll have all the account numbers and phone numbers to call in case your wallet is lost or stolen



• Don't give out your Social Security number, mother's maiden name or any account information over the phone unless you know the company you are dealing with and you have initiated the call. If you suspect someone is fraudulently using your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration's fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., EST, or e-mail OIG.hotline@SSA.gov



• Never write down PINs and passwords; memorize them



• Don't leave mail containing checks in your mailbox for your carrier to pick up



• Check for any unauthorized account activity by ordering credit reports once a year from a credit reporting agency.  All consumers are entitled to one free report annually.  Click here for information about getting your free reports.