There are many ways to reduce the risk of your identity being “stolen” or used by someone else.  To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft, there are some basic steps you can take.  

1)    Be selective when giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them, regardless of where you are.

2)     Adopt a "need to know" approach when giving out personal information about your self.

3)    Check with the Better Business Bureau before giving personal information to companies when doing business over the Internet or the telephone.

4)     If you are away from home for any length of time, have your mail held at your local post office, or ask someone you know and trust­ to collect and hold your mail while you're away.

5)     Be careful when using telephone calling cards in public areas.  You never know who might be “shoulder surfing.”

6)     Check your financial information regularly, making sure the information is correct and that all your statements are being mailed to the correct address.  Keep careful records of your banking and financial accounts.

7)     Get a copy of your credit report periodically.  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.