I check my credit report from each of the major credit reporting bureaus (Transunion, Experian, and Equifax) at AnnualCreditReport.com every year. |
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I review my bank, credit card, and related account statements every month for unrecognized charges. |
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I save receipts and check them against charges on my credit card and/or debit card statements. |
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I know the billing cycle for all of my bills (credit card, utility, cell phone, etc.) and know how to contact my creditors if bills are not received on time. |
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I shred or burn preapproved credit card offers, old bank or brokerage statements, old pay stubs, old tax records, and other documents with detailed personal information before throwing them away. |
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I avoid carrying my Social Security card or any other document that may have my Social Security number on it. |
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I avoid giving out my Social Security or bank account numbers to unsolicited callers or orally (in a store for example) where others may be listening. |
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I have a post office box or secured mailbox for incoming mail. |
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I place outgoing mail in a secured collection box or drop if off at the post office. |
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I ask if disclosing a Social Security number or other personal information is absolutely required when completing certain transactions (like signing up for utility, cable or cell phone service). |
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I buy only from websites that use SSL encryption (your browser displays a "locked" icon). |
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I avoid printing my driver's license number or Social Security number on personal checks. |
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I limit the number of credit cards in my wallet to cards I will be using and do not routinely carry my checkbook. |
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I limit the amount of personal information "out there" by not revealing my address or birthdate for coupon or contest websites and by using restrictive privacy settings on social media websites. |
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I have the customer service phone numbers for all credit or debit card accounts so that I can report a lost card quickly. |
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I do not leave sensitive documents such as pay stubs or credit card statements at work or in other unsecured locations. |
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I am generally "security conscious" and do not leave wallets or sensitive documents unattended or in plain sight at home when roommates, visitors, cleaners, home contractors, or other individuals are present. |
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I have virus protection on my computer and keep it up to date. |
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My computer(s) require a password to log in. |
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I avoid using easy to guess passwords or the same password on every website. |
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