My office has received phone calls and emails concerning the thousands of

 

1. Shred all credit card receipts, old bank statements, medical statements, everyday bills

and any pre-approved credit card offers.

2. Write clearly on all credit applications. Consistently and completely fill in all credit

and loan applications using your full name, first, middle and last. Every bill that comes

to your house should be addressed exactly the same.

3. Never leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Drop them off at a

post office box.

4. Only shop with online merchants that have a Trust-e symbol or a Better Business

Bureau online seal.

5. Make passwords unique and never use personal information like your mother’s

maiden name or any part of your Social Security Number.

6. Be aware of unexpected bills, bills that should have come but never did, denials for

credit you did not request and calls from business about purchases you never made.

7. Don’t click on business or financial pop-up ads until you confirm through an online

search or with the Better Business Bureau.

8. Check your credit report once a year. The law requires the companies Equifax,

Experian and TransUnion to give you a free copy of your credit report if you ask for it.

9. Change your PIN and passwords on a regular basis and don’t give them to anyone.

10. Use online banking and check in on your checking and banking activity frequently.