TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Here are some general steps you can take to ensure your personal information is not compromised. » Routinely check credit reports. Look for unauthorized activity or accounts that you did not open. You can obtain three free reports each year — one from each of the three main credit bureaus — at annualcreditreport.com. » Safeguard hard copies of sensitive documents (including those from family members). Shred documents, including bills and payment stubs, before throwing them away. Drop outgoing mail in secure mailboxes only. » Set up automatic transaction alerts on bank and credit-card accounts. That way, you will learn quickly if someone is attempting to use one of your accounts. » Avoid clicking on e-mail attachments from strangers. Phishing scams use unsolicited e-mail messages aimed at encouraging recipients to respond and divulge sensitive information. The messages are becoming more targeted, often involving a reference to somebody you know or an activity you’re engaged in. Phishing scams are also used to plant computer viruses. » Use strong passwords. They should involve a mix of numbers, special characters and both upper- and lowercase letters. Protect smartphones with passwords and anti-virus or malware software. » Don’t provide personal information to telephone solicitors. Phone callers promise trips, computer service or winning prize offers to get you to divulge personal information. » Be cautious with social media. Interactions on Facebook, Twitter and other sites can be used to target you. Seemingly innocent information that consumers or employees post on these websites can provide insights that criminals can then exploit. » Verify information anytime someone asks you to pay them using a wire transfer. Thieves use wire transfers in scams far more often than credit cards. » Protect your computers and laptops. Don’t leave laptops with sensitive customer records unattended. Don’t click on suspicious computer attachments. » Check your children’s credit. ID thefts involving the personal information of children often go undetected for years. Victims might not discover a problem until they are old enough to apply for a car or student loan.