Top 10 Ways to prevent Identity Theft and Financial Fraud

#1 Make sure you get free credit report EVERY YEAR and check it carefully

#2 DON'T carry your social security card with you

#3 CLOSE the credit card and financial accounts you don’t need (unless you’re going to apply for a mortgage soon). If you have fewer accounts open, you’re less likely to be affected if hackers hit a company.

#4 NEVER write your PIN on your ATM or debit card

#5 SHRED  any papers with your financial information on them

#6 Call 1-888-5OPTOUT and TELL credit card companies to stop sending you pre-approved credit card applications

#7 DON'T respond to any communication from any relative of any royal family from any part of Africa

#8 Be very very very careful of emails asking you to update your personal information. DELETE emails that threaten dire consequences if you don’t update your personal information

#9 TELL your credit card company to stop sending you ‘convenience checks’

#10 Read card-fraud.com frequently