Step # 1:   Guard Your Social Security Number

While there are times when your social security number is required, you should use extreme caution in deciding how to give and give that information. For the most part, you should never give your social security number over the phone, online or by phone. Even if you trust the person you are sending information that is easy for an identity theft to intercept the information. If you are giving information on the Internet, make sure you are on a secure website and do not send your social security number via email.

Step# 2:   Enter only the basics on your checks

Never put more than the required information on your personal checks. Although it may seem useful to bring your driver’s license number or Social Security number on your checks, only identity thieves to get more opportunities to take that information and use it improperly. Also, never let your credit card number to be written on your checks. This not only put you at greater risk of fraud, is illegal in many states.

Step # 3:   Keep an eye on your mail

Be sure to check your email every day so it is not sitting in your mailbox any longer than necessary. Keeping your mail in your mailbox for a long time criminal invitation only. Also, if you know you will receive a credit card or other important document before, keep an eye out for it and contact the issuing company if you do not arrive when expected.

Step# 4:  Check your credit report once a year

Thanks to the federal law that allows you to receive a free copy of your credit report every year, there is absolutely no reason not to review your credit report on an annual basis. Annualcreditreport.com visit to receive your free credit report and verify that the information is wrong or suspicious activity and immediately report any problems you see.

Step# 5:  Creating Smart PINS and passwords

When it comes time to create passwords and PINS, you should avoid using any of the following:

• Last four digits of your social security number
• Her maiden name of mother
• Your date of birth
• The second name
• Your pet is the name
• Any set of consecutive numbers

Although all of them are easy to remember, too easy for a thief to crack. If you are looking for a password that is easy to remember, think of a phrase that know and use the first letter of each word in the phrase as their passwords. With the addition of numbers in the password, you can make it even more difficult for a thief to crack.