·	Shred documents and paperwork which contain personal information before you discard them.

·	Don't give out personal information unless you know who you are dealing with.

·	Never click on links in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address which you know

·	Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer;

·	Don't use obvious passwords like your birth date or your mother's maiden name

·	Keep your personal information in a secure place at home

·	Be alert for discrepancies in your financial bills and statements and query them immediately

·	Report fraud as soon as you detect it

·	Only carry credit and identification cards that you use.

·	Replace paper invoices, statements and checks with electronic versions, if offered by your employer, bank, utility or merchant.

·	Secure your sensitive mobile data with a strong password or file protection software, whether it is stored in your laptop or a PDA device.

·	If you receive a solicitation to pay an advance fee (i.e., for a lottery prize, preapproved credit or loan), verify the identity of the organization through a legitimate source before sending any payment.

·	Use a secure mailbox and collect delivered mail as soon as possible. If you are traveling, tell the post office to hold your mail until your return or have someone you trust collect it.

·	Be cautious of your surroundings when using an ATM, and be especially careful not to let others see what you’ve entered as your pin number.

·	Contact your bank, credit card company or merchant immediately, if your checkbook, wallet or debit/credit cards are lost or stolen or if you do not receive statements, invoices or new or renewed credit/debit cards.

·	Monitor your bank and credit card account activity regularly. Check your account balances weekly through the phone, ATM or Internet. Confirm that all transactions are authorized.

·	If offered by your bank, use e-mail or telephone alerts to monitor transfers, payments, low balances and withdrawals.

·	Review your credit information regularly (free reports are available at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228). Confirm that all accounts listed are yours.

·	Do not carry your Social Security card and only provide the full number when absolutely necessary.

·	If you have been a victim of identity fraud despite using fraud alerts, consider placing a Freeze, which locks your credit report. Currently 12 states allow credit freezes, so check to see if you qualify for coverage.

·	Be informed of your data breach notification rights, which vary by state.