Get a criss-cut shredder and shred all financial documents, anything with your name, address, or other personal information before you throw them away.[Why?]

Use Cash Whenever Possible.[Why?]

Protect your social security number ; do not carry your social security card with you or write it on any checks or other documents. Place it in a very safe place.[Why?]

Do not provide personal information over the telephone, over the internet, or via the us mail unless you know absolutely who you are in communication with and who will be receiving the info you provide. [Why?]

Never click on links in emails you receive unless you either requested the email, or are sure of it's sender. Open a new browser window and enter the URL (web address) by yourself.[Why?]

Buy a Safe and secure it to the floor or some other immoveable object, or get a safety deposit box.[Why?]

Sign up for Internet or email bill delivery.[Why?]

Use a credit monitoring service which monitors all three credit bureau's and places fraud alerts on your accounts.[Why?]

If you absolutely must write a check, use a fine tipped permanent ink pen. [Why?]