Identity Theft Protection Tips

Although there is no foolproof way to protect yourself from identity theft, here are some tips below that may help make it more difficult for the thief to steal your personal information.

• Review your Credit report at least once a year for any inaccuracies. Financial Center's My Score can help.
  
  
• Purchase a shredder. Shred all documents with personal information before throwing them away.
  
  
• Monitor your account statements on a monthly basis to ensure they arrive at the scheduled time and there are no discrepancies.
  
  
• Do not send mail using your unsecured mailbox. If you have payments to send, mail them at your local post office.
  
  
• Do not pre-print your Social Security Number on your checks.
  
  
• Don't carry your Social Security Card in your wallet/purse.
  
  
• Keep items that contain your personal information in a safe place.
  
  
• You may want to consider opting out of unsolicited credit offers. You can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) to opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers. All three major credit bureaus use this same toll free number.