Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent identity theft:

Never disclose personal information unless you are sure who you are giving it to and how it will be used. Guard your Social Security number with your life.

Keep all personal information in a safe place and shred it when you don’t need it.

Pick up your mail as soon as possible. Know when your bills are due; if they are late, call your creditors.

Monitor your bank account online so you can spot suspicious activity quickly.

Always take credit card receipts with you, don’t leave them in as hopping bag.

Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com. Consider spreading your requests throughout the year to increase your odds of spotting a problem quickly.

For more tips on preventing ID theft, go to

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/deter.html