Guard against identity theft
You protect your wallet, lock your car, and hide your jewelry. Are you as careful with your identity? If someone steals your ID, your credit rating is at risk.
Make sure it doesn't happen to you. In this case, prevention is definitely easier than the cure: It can take years to straighten out your records. Here are some ways to protect yourself.
Guard your Social Security number
Do not carry your Social Security card with you.
Do not put your SSN on your driver's license or on bank checks.
For more information on uses and security issues of SSNs, read My Social Security Number: How Secure Is It? from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
Pick passwords carefully
Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess (such as your pet's name, your birthdate, or consecutive numbers or letters).
Use a mix of letters and numbers that is special to you but not obvious.
Pay attention to your mail and trash
Tear or shred charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, credit card offers, and bank statements.
Check your credit reports for unauthorized activity
An amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the three national credit bureaus to provide you a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months at your request.
To order your copy, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free (877) 322-8228.
Use common sense
The list continues:
- Be careful when purchasing items online. Make sure the site is secure before giving credit card information.
- Do not sign up for unfamiliar contests. Identity thieves may create phony promotions to capture your personal information.
- Be wary of telephone solicitors. Do not provide personal information unless you initiated the call.
See how Sallie Mae protects your information: Read Avoid online fraud and our Privacy policies.