- Never give your social security number or other personal information to anyone online.
- Do not open unsolicited emails, open web pages, or call phone numbers listed in suspicious emails, even if it appears urgent or demands an immediate response.
- Make sure you have anti-spyware and anti-virus software on your computer. Be sure to keep them updated and run scans at least weekly.
- Use strong passwords, eight characters or more, including numbers. Use a random order instead of words and change passwords frequently.
- Check your bank and credit card statements when they arrive and verify any charge you don't remember making.
- Shred any documents containing personal information before you throw it in the trash.
- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're gone for more than a day, have mail held at the Post Office until you return.
- Keep your passwords and access codes secret. Don't leave them in easy to find places on your desk - at work or in your home.
- Don't provide personal information over the phone to callers demanding confirmation of your identity.
- Keep your personal papers, passports, and social security cards secured in a lock box or other device and out of view.
