| When another person succeeds in using your | | | | essential identification pieces in your purse or |
| credit information to commit credit fraud, it can | | | | wallet, backpack or car. Do not carry your Social |
| cause a lot of hassle in your life. So how do you | | | | Security card or your birth certificate with you |
| protect yourself.Here are a few tips on how to | | | | unless absolutely necessary.Limit the number of |
| avoid becoming the victim of this type of | | | | credit cards you carry. Try to only carry one or |
| crime.Periodically review your credit reports. Order | | | | two.Memorize your PIN and password numbers. |
| your credit report from each of them at least | | | | Do not write them down.Make and keep copies of |
| once a year.Properly discard documents. Cut up, | | | | credit account and bank account numbers in a |
| shred or otherwise destroy credit card | | | | secure place.Guard your personal information. |
| statements, credit card receipts, bank | | | | Don't give out credit card or Social Security |
| statements, preapproved credit offers or any | | | | numbers to people you don't know.Do not have |
| other documents that contain personal | | | | your Social Security number printed on your |
| information.Limit identification pieces. Carry only | | | | checks or driver's license. |